IMO calls emergency meeting over Middle East shipping risks

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) will hold an "Extraordinary Session of its Council" on 18–19 March at its headquarters in London to discuss the situation in the Middle East.

IMAGE: IMO headquarters in London, UK. Getty Images

The meeting will focus on the impact on shipping and seafarers in the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman, and the Gulf region, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier this week, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez held briefings with industry organisations and member states to share information and discuss recent developments in the region.

Dominguez had previously expressed concern over the attacks on seafarers and “freedom of navigation” in the area, urging “all shipping companies to exercise maximum caution. Where possible, vessels should avoid transiting the affected region until conditions improve.”

The IMO Council, which serves as the organisation’s executive body, consists of 40 member states elected by the IMO Assembly.

The upcoming session will be chaired by Victor Jiménez of Spain.

By Tuhin Roy

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