The Secretary-General of the IMO, Arsenio Domínguez, called for vigilance and greater cooperation among Member States and international partners to address the growing threats to global maritime security.
In his address at the high-level open debate of the United Nations Security Council, on August 11, Domínguez outlined the risks faced by ships and seafarers when transporting billions of tons of goods around the world.
“Our collective response must be based on prevention, constant vigilance, innovation, and the continuous strengthening of regional and international cooperation,” said Domínguez.
The Secretary-General of the IMO emphasized that multilateralism is key to resolving this since maritime security “is a shared responsibility” and that for this, it is necessary for States to comply with the obligations derived from the international standards established in matters of safety, security, and environmental protection in maritime transport.
Addressing Evolving Threats
In 2024, nearly 150 incidents of piracy and armed robbery were reported to the IMO. The highest numbers were recorded in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, the Indian Ocean, and West Africa. Last year, illicit attacks occurred in the Red Sea against ships, in violation of international law and the freedom of navigation.
Cyberattacks, drug trafficking, and fraudulent activities continue to undermine maritime security, while emerging technologies bring both opportunities and risks, highlighting the urgency of robust cybersecurity governance, warned the UN agency in a statement.
“When geopolitical tensions disrupt shipping and innocent seafarers lose their lives, as we recently saw in the Red Sea area and during 2024, the only way forward is constructive dialogue,” commented Domínguez before stating that “maritime security is not only technical, but deeply human.”
Developing Capacities, Sharing Information
To mitigate some of these challenges, the IMO developed binding measures such as the 2004 International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, the 2005 revised protocols for the suppression of unlawful acts at sea or SUA treaties, and the cybersecurity requirements within the mandatory Safety Management Systems.
Capacity-building projects help strengthen regional responses, emphasizing information sharing and cooperation, explained the organization.
Arsenio Domínguez during his presentation to the United Nations Security Council.
Imagen OMI
And they cited as among the most prominent examples, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), the Djibouti Code of Conduct and its Jeddah Amendment (/JA), and the Yaoundé Code of Conduct (YCOC) among the nations of West and Central Africa.
Finally, Domínguez highlighted the collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), INTERPOL, regional bodies, and donor Member States to advance this work through initiatives such as the Red Sea Programme and the Port Security Project, funded by the EU.
The high-level debate aimed to promote innovative, inclusive, and cooperative approaches to enhance maritime security that strengthen multilateralism and defend the international legal framework, concluded the IMO press release.
Cover image: publication from the Media Centre, dated July 8, 2025, showing explosions on the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas, attacked by Houthi-affiliated fighters in the Red Sea.
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Arsenio DomínguezRed SeaIMOInternational Maritime OrganizationPiracy and Armed Robbery against Ships
