At a recent UN Security Council meeting on 20 May, Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that maritime security is a prerequisite for global stability, warning that growing threats, from piracy and smuggling to cyberattacks and geopolitical tensions, are putting oceans under increasing strain.
The Secretary-General called for urgent action in three key areas: respecting international law, tackling root causes of maritime insecurity, and forging global partnerships. “Facing these and other threats, the world’s maritime routes and the people depending on them are sending a clear ‘SOS’,” he said, urging action in these three key areas.
Pointing out that the upcoming 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France (9 – 13 June 2025), will “provide an important moment for the countries of the world to take action”, he underscored: “As threats to maritime security are becoming more complex and interconnected, enhanced coordination and stronger maritime governance are essential.”
Alarming rise in maritime threats
Melina N. Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, highlighted the evolving nature of piracy and the increasing weaponization of the maritime domain. Citing a 35% rise in incidents from 2023 to 2024, she warned of growing threats including cyberwarfare, drug and human trafficking, and organized crime. She urged a shift from reactive to preventive maritime security strategies and emphasized the need for a global commitment.
Fragmented global response
Christian Bueger, Professor at the University of Copenhagen and UNIDIR (United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research) Research Fellow, criticized the UN Security Council’s ad-hoc approach to maritime security. He called attention to persistent “blue crimes” and the resurgence of piracy off Somalia. He advocated for a systematic, evidence-based global strategy to address maritime security challenges, including cyber threats and autonomous weapons.
Greece’s call for legal and environmental safeguards
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, underscored the need to uphold the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and tackle marine pollution. He linked maritime security to core democratic values and called for broader understanding of maritime issues.
Maritime security as a global public good
Carlos Arturo Hoyos of Panama emphasized the strategic importance of the Panama Canal and its motto, “pro mundi beneficio” (for the benefit of the world) . He stressed that maritime security must safeguard freedom of navigation and environmental integrity.
Representatives from Pakistan, Guyana, and Slovenia reiterated the importance of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the primary international legal framework for maritime governance. Moreover, Slovenia highlighted its engagement in EU naval operations and the need to integrate climate resilience into maritime security.
Africa’s regional security initiatives
Sierra Leone and Algeria spotlighted regional efforts like the African Union’s (AU) Lomé Charter and West African collaboration against illegal fishing. They also stressed climate change’s impact on maritime insecurity and the need for technology transfer to developing countries.
Root causes and holistic solutions
Somalia’s representative pointed to poverty and unemployment as root causes of maritime crime. Denmark’s Special Envoy Nicolai Ruge called for enhancing coastal States’ capacity and highlighted the link between onshore instability and maritime threats.
Maritime security in conflict zones
United Kingdom, France, and United States officials condemned attacks in the Red Sea by Houthis and criticized China’s actions in the South China Sea. China countered by accusing the U.S. of militarizing the region, while Russia rejected the Security Council’s jurisdiction over many of the maritime issues discussed.
Korea and sanctions evasion
The Republic of Korea expressed concerns over DPRK’s (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) illicit maritime activities and noted weakened sanctions enforcement following the disbandment of the Security Council’s 1718 Panel of Experts (a UN committee monitoring sanctions on North Korea under Resolution 1718).
Sovereignty, cooperation, and capacity building
Mexico emphasized respecting coastal States’ sovereignty in the effort to ensure security. Meanwhile, Cyprus denounced violations in its maritime zones and advocated for joint naval efforts, national strategies, and the use of emerging technologies to counter maritime crime.
Success stories and global initiatives
Some speakers pointed to successes, including the representative of Malta, who reported that her country, along with Antigua and Barbuda, has partnered to establish the Global Centre for Maritime Sanctions Monitoring. Italy reported success in reducing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea through the Yaoundé Code of Conduct and EU naval presence.
Meanwhile, Acting U.S. Representative, Ambassador Dorothy Sheam, expressed support the collaborative efforts of the Registry Information Sharing Compact, RISC. RISC was founded by the flag registries of Panama, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands to combat the practice of “flag hopping” by vessels and shipping companies that are suspected of engaging in illicit practices, including UN sanctions violations.
ASEAN’s regional security role
Thailand, Singapore, and Philippines detailed ASEAN’s (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) collaborative approach to maritime threats. Additionally, the Philippines raised alarm over escalating aggression in the South China Sea, calling for urgent attention.
The strategic importance of the Suez Canal
Egypt reported a $7 billion revenue loss due to reduced Red Sea navigation, stressing that maritime security is inextricably linked with regional geopolitics and land-based conflicts.
