IMO Council condemns attacks on merchant ships and urges international coordination to safeguard civilian shipping, during extraordinary session in London
The IMO Council met from 18 to 19 March, 2026 to discuss the situation in the Middle East and its impact on shipping and seafarers.
The Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has strongly condemned the threats and attacks against vessels and purported closure of the Strait of Hormuz, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which have adversely affected merchant and commercial vessels and threatened the safety and welfare of seafarers.
The Council called for a coordinated approach to security be adopted and that the response be internationally coordinated. It reiterated that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels, in accordance with international law, must be respected.
In his closing remarks, IMO Secretary-General said: "Let it be the responsibility of each and every one of us to demonstrate that inaction is not an option, that words alone are not sufficient. Together, we can drive the change required to protect the wellbeing of those who have no voice and safeguard the principle of freedom of navigation."
Protection, safety and welfare of seafarers
The Council urged that all attacks on ships affecting innocent civilian seafarers be halted immediately. It called upon Member States to ensure the continuous provision of water, food, fuel and other essential supplies to ships currently unable to leave the region.
States were encouraged to facilitate crew change and crew renewal operations in accordance with international standards, to safeguard the health, safety and well-being of the seafarers affected. The Council urged States to ensure that seafarers' communication with their families and friends can be maintained and that stores and provisions remain adequate for their needs.
The Council called for a coordinated international approach to the safety of navigation, taking into account the fatigue and pressure of those on board, the master's overriding authority, as well as the risks associated with transiting the area while Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) suffer extensive jamming and spoofing.
Safe passage framework
The Council called for the establishment of a safe maritime framework, as a provisional and urgent measure, to facilitate the safe evacuation of merchant ships currently confined within the Gulf region. This measure aims to protect the lives of seafarers and ensure safe commercial shipping by avoiding military attacks.
The Council directed IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez to take the necessary immediate actions to initiate the establishment of the framework, in collaboration with the relevant parties.
"I am ready to start working immediately in negotiations to establish a humanitarian framework to evacuate all vessels and seafarers trapped. However, for this to materialize, I will need the understanding, commitment and, above all, the concrete actions from all relevant countries and stakeholders," said Secretary-General Dominguez. [Read full closing remarks]
IMO Council
The Extraordinary Session of Council was convened followed requests from several Member States. The Council is the Executive Organ of IMO, consisting of 40 Member States, elected by the IMO Assembly. More than 120 Member States participated in the session, including all 40 Council Members.
- Read the full summary of decisions of the IMO Council
