In his speech delivered on 16 September 2024, as an opening remark the 10th session of the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 10), IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, expressed serious concerns about geopolitical conflicts affecting shipping and endangering seafarers.
In particular, Arsenio Dominguez stressed that ships and seafarers should remain neutral in political disputes, as shipping serves the common interests of all States, whether in the Black Sea or the Red Sea. The Secretary-General emphasized that both the IMO and its Member States have a responsibility to protect seafarers’ lives.
Ships and seafarers must not be targeted for political reasons. Shipping serves all States and serves the common interest whether it be in the Black Sea or the Red Sea.
… said Dominguez
Furthermore, he condemned the recent attack on the bulker AYA on 11 September 2024 in the Black Sea, calling it unacceptable and a threat to the food security of developing nations. He also criticized the attack on the MV SOUNION and its environmental risks, while thanking the EU and Operation ASPIDES for their assistance in towing the vessel.
Arsenio Dominguez also reiterated the call for the immediate and unconditional release of the MV GALAXY LEADER and its crew. He announced plans to invite the crew’s families to the IMO Headquarters on 5 November 2024, with coordination from ICS, ITF, and certain Member States, and sought financial support to facilitate their travel to London.
Regarding the Sub-Committee’s tasks, the Secretary-General acknowledged its vital role in developing technical provisions for alternative fuels and related technologies. He noted ongoing efforts to create safety provisions and a regulatory framework to support GHG emission reductions from ships using new technologies.
He commended the Intersessional Working Group’s recent work on safety guidelines for ships using hydrogen and ammonia as fuel and anticipated finalization of these interim guidelines at the session. Dominguez also highlighted the importance of reviewing the IGC Code and completing its amendments.
Emphasizing the need for a thorough review of the Recommendations on entering enclosed spaces on ships, as adopted by resolution A.1050(27), he expressed confidence in the Sub-Committee’s expertise to achieve these objectives.
