Council, 134th session (C 134) - Opening remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE OPENING OF THE 134TH SESSION OF THE COUNCIL (C 134), 7 to 11 July 2025

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 7 July 2025

Good morning distinguished delegates, 

Welcome to the 134th session of the Council.

The Organization has learned with deep regret of the incident involving Admarine 12, which occurred on 1 July 2025 while the unit was being towed to a new work site in Egypt’s territorial waters, north of the Red Sea Governorate. It has been reported that four lives were lost and search efforts are ongoing for the remaining three individuals. I wish to express my profound sadness and sincere condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected.

In a separate tragic event, I also wish to convey my heartfelt condolences following reports that four lives have been lost and approximately 30 individuals remain missing after a ferry, Tunu Pratama Jaya carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew members sank off the island of Bali on 2 July 2025. The Organization will continue to monitor developments closely and stands ready to support efforts to draw any lessons that may help prevent such incidents in the future.

Additionally, I am also concerned to learn of the attack which occurred last week in the Black Sea, negatively impacting seafarers and port workers. Let me reiterate, there is no justification for any attacks against international shipping regardless of motivation or cause. And I remain committed and available to facilitating dialogue among all parties involved.

I have recently received reports of an attack on a vessel yesterday in the Red Sea, whilst navigating southwest of Hodeidah, in Yemen. No injuries have been reported to the crew.

I urge all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that could further escalate tensions in the region. Seafarers safety and well-being must remail a priority at all times.

Over the weekend, central Texas in the United States was struck by catastrophic flash flooding resulting in the tragic loss of lives, including children, and leaving many others unaccounted for. I extend my deepest condolences to the families and communities affected by this disaster and stand in solidarity with all those impacted during this difficult time.

With regard to the work ahead of us this week, from the outset of my tenure, I have underlined my commitment to driving positive change - especially where it strengthens our ability to serve you, our Member States, and all stakeholders who rely on IMO’s work. Our Organization is known for its efficiency, and the measures proposed to you through this Council are designed to contribute to strengthening it.

This week, we have before us an important agenda. You will be asked to finalize the amendments to the Rules of Procedure of both the Council and the Assembly - an important step towards enhancing the efficiency and transparency of our decision-making processes.

You will also be invited to consider an update to the Organization’s Strategic Plan for the six-year period from 2024 to 2029, ensuring it reflects our evolving priorities and global challenges. The performance indicator report will enable you to analyze the Organization's performance and efficiency in relation to strategic directions in a very concrete and transparent manner. 

I wish to highlight the importance of your comments on the proposed budget for the 2026 - 2027 biennium. This is a cornerstone of our work this week. The decisions you take will ensure that the Organization remains adequately resourced and financially sustainable, enabling us to deliver effectively on our mandate and priorities.

You will be invited to advance our continued commitment to multilingualism, through the consideration of measures to implement the Guidelines for the further enhancement of multilingualism at IMO.

You will also review enhancements to the IMO Number Scheme, including related proposed consolidated Assembly resolutions and shape our approach to the next cycle of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme, guiding our work for the next years.

I trust I can count on your active engagement and support as we work through these important matters.

I am confident that, under the able leadership of your Chair, Mr. Victor Jimenez Fernandez of Spain, and your Vice-Chair, Mrs. Amane Fethallah of Morocco, the Council will make meaningful and significant progress on the important matters before you. 

You can continue to count on the full commitment and support of the Secretariat throughout your work.

Thank you.

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