The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, opened the 109th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109) on 2 December addressing urgent maritime safety concerns and strategic goals for the IMO.
The IMO Secretary-General remarked on his opening statement that it is vitally important to highlight the urgent and ongoing concern regarding the attacks on ships and seafarers in the Red Sea. These incidents not only threaten the safety and welfare of seafarers, but also endanger innocent human lives. Furthermore, these aggressions produce far-reaching consequences not only for the shipping industry but also for the global economy as a whole. Arsenio Dominguez continued by stating that he remains remain committed will continue to work closely with all Member States, UN agencies, and stakeholders to re-establish and ensure the principle of freedom of navigation, and urges everyone to do the same.
I also call on shipowners and operators to carry out the necessary risk assessments, make responsible and sound decisions and ensure the protection of seafarers.
…said Arsenio Dominguez.
The Secretary – General commented that the Committee has many important items on the agenda. These include:
Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)
- Is focused on exemplary collaborative work.
- Aims to meet the expectations of various stakeholders.
IMO Strategy for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- In-depth study to support the safe implementation of the IMO strategy.
- Assessment of alternative fuels and technologies.
- Thorough examination of obstacles and safety gaps in current instruments developed by IMO.
International Safety Management (ISM) Code
- Consideration of several matters related to the ISM Code.
- Outcome of the Joint ILO/IMO Working Group’s discussions on violence and harassment.
- Recommendations from the study on the effectiveness and implementation of the ISM Code.
Concluding, Arsenio Dominguez urged Member States to consider the possibility of accession to the Capetown Agreement. According to Dominguez, such accession will allow the Agreement to enter into force, thereby filling the missing gap for fishing vessels safety.
The MSC has a wide range of issues on its current agenda, including goal-based standards, autonomous vessels, piracy and armed robbery against ships, cyber security and e-navigation. The Maritime Safety Committee will be meeting for its 109th session at IMO Headquarters in London from 2 to 6 December 2024.
