CMI Colloquium 2024 in Gothenburg, Sweden

WELCOME ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE OPENING OF THE COMITÉ MARITIME INTERNATIONAL COLLOQUIUM 2024 IN GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN

Delivered by IMO Secretary General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on Thursday, 23 May 2024

Ladies and gentlemen,

You meet this year amidst pressing concerns for the maritime community.  

The safety and well-being of seafarers remain of utmost importance, especially considering the ongoing challenges highlighted by recent distressing events in the Red Sea and off the coast of Somalia, including the capture of ships and seafarers and attacks on ships, which have sadly led to fatalities.

It is incumbent upon all of us to pursue every available avenue to secure the release of seafarers still held hostage and to protect seafarers.

I wish to acknowledge the supportive role of the CMI when it comes to legal issues involving ships and seafarers, particularly at the IMO Legal Committee – a home from home for some of you attending this Colloquium!

To note some key areas of the Committee's work, most recently, in April 2024, the Legal Committee finalized a new set of guidelines to ensure that seafarers are protected against unfair treatment if detained in foreign jurisdictions on suspicion of committing a crime in the course of their employment on board ship. 

The CMI's contribution to the work of the Legal Committee on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) is very much welcomed. The road map approved by the Legal Committee foresees the Committee's role in assessing the non-mandatory MASS Code which is under development by the Maritime Safety Committee – and in identifying any need for guidelines or amendments to the treaties under the purview of the Legal Committee.

You will discuss key issues which are dominating our agendas – including piracy and armed robbery against ships and fraudulent activities at sea, as well as a dedicated session on decarbonization.

Finally, I would like to fully acknowledge CMI's role in the successful development, adoption and signing of the "Beijing Convention on the Judicial Sale of Ships" – which will, when in force, provide legal protection for purchasers of ships sold by judicial sale, while at the same time, safeguarding the interests of shipowners and creditors. 

I understand from your President, Ms. Ann Fenech, that a signing ceremony is scheduled for 19 June 2024 to facilitate the participation of additional States, including those from the European Union (EU), now that the EU has signed the Convention. IMO has assumed the role of repository of the Convention and would like to take this opportunity to encourage States to ratify it as soon as they are able to do so.

I wish you well in all your discussions.

Thank you.