IMO: Red Sea crisis impacting international shipping

The Secretary-General at the International Maritime Organisation, Arsenio Dominguez, has highlighted the significant impact of the Red Sea crisis on international shipping during a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Dominguez emphasized that the current situation is not only affecting innocent seafarers but also having profound implications on global trade. He mentioned that rerouting ships away from the Red Sea is not only increasing sailing times but also emissions, posing risks to human health and the safety of seafarers. The crisis is also exerting pressure on Western African countries to ensure the necessary supplies and bunkering facilities are provided for safe ship operations. To address these challenges, the IMO is working closely with regional stakeholders to explore alternative routes and multimodal shipping as a top priority. The goal is to de-escalate the situation while safeguarding freedom of navigation and enhancing security capabilities. During his visit to Tanzania, Dominguez participated in key maritime events, including the Djibouti Code of Conduct meeting and the African Association's Maritime Assembly. These gatherings focused on enhancing maritime security and addressing key priorities such as safety, security, the environment, and the human element in shipping. The discussions also underscored the crucial role of the International Maritime Organisation in supporting the maritime sector in the region. One of the central issues discussed was the ongoing Red Sea crisis, which poses a severe threat to international shipping. Dominguez condemned the attacks, highlighting their adverse effects on seafarers and global commerce. The situation necessitates collaborative efforts with regional countries to find solutions that promote de-escalation, ensure freedom of navigation, and enhance security capabilities. Furthermore, the IMO is actively engaging with stakeholders to develop actionable plans and recommendations to address these pressing challenges. The recent meeting in London, focusing on the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee, has underscored the urgency of addressing security concerns in the maritime industry. The committee has adopted resolutions aimed at protecting shipping and enhancing operational mechanisms for ship owners and operators. Cybersecurity has emerged as a key focus area, with efforts underway to develop a roadmap that leverages past experiences and practical actions to bolster global shipping security. Reflecting on past challenges, Dominguez drew parallels with the piracy attacks that occurred over a decade ago off the coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden. Lessons learned from those events have informed current strategies to address evolving threats in the maritime domain. While acknowledging the complex geopolitical landscape impacting maritime security, Dominguez emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation and technical assistance in ensuring the safety and security of shipping operations. In terms of enhancing the capabilities of countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, Dominguez highlighted the progress made over the past 15 years. Collaborative projects with partners like the European Union have facilitated capacity building, infrastructure development, and specialized training to strengthen maritime security. While challenges persist, the engagement of stakeholders and strategic planning are critical to addressing gaps and driving sustainable solutions. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Dominguez expressed confidence in the resilience of the shipping industry despite ongoing challenges. He emphasized the sector's ability to adapt and respond to crises, citing past experiences as a testament to its endurance. Stakeholders remain committed to upholding the IMO's priorities, including exploring alternative routes and multi-modal shipping, to ensure the continuity of global trade amidst evolving threats. In conclusion, the Red Sea crisis continues to pose significant challenges to international shipping, with implications for seafarers, trade, and global commerce. The IMO's proactive engagement with stakeholders and focus on enhancing security measures underscore its commitment to safeguarding maritime operations in the face of evolving threats.