Legal Committe (LEG 113) - Closing remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE CLOSING OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEENTH SESSION OF THE LEGAL COMMITTEE (LEG 113), 13 to 17 April 2026

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 17 April 2026

Distinguished delegates, 

We have come to the end of the 113th session of the Legal Committee and I would like to acknowledge few important matters you have addressed this week.

Firstly, the well-being of seafarers continues to be of great concern to me and to the entire Membership of the Organization. The Committee has demonstrated its continuous commitment to addressing the issue of abandonment of seafarers, and unfair criminalization of these workers which we must all pursue to eliminate. 

Ensuring due diligence in ship registration system for the benefit of safety, protection of the marine environment and the well-being of seafarers, thereby eliminating cases of fraudulent registration, is of paramount importance. You have taken the first steps in approving guidelines for the registration of ships to ensure it is modern, effective and transparent.

You also identified a gap in the IMO liability and compensation framework with respect to damage caused by alternative fuels, and agreed on the need to develop a dedicated regime, or amend existing ones, to ensure that their use in ship operation and propulsion is adequately covered. This is timely and essential as the maritime industry continues to evolve. 

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to your Chair, Mr. Diego Ramirez of Marshall Islands for your skill and dedication with which you have led this session. 

My gratitude goes also to Vice Chair, Ms. Lydia Markari-Kyriacou of Cyprus who worked tirelessly to ensure the successful outcome of this session of the Committee at the Working Group. I would also like to thank Mr. Mark Gebauer of Germany for his contribution to the Working Group. 

As always, this is also an opportune moment to express our gratitude to those delegates and experts who are leaving and concluding their tenure with us and for whom this marks the final session of the Committee. We wish them all the best for their future endeavours.

I am grateful for the efforts of the Legal Affairs and External Relations Division, who led the preparations for this meeting, for the dedication of all the staff of the Secretariat, who work tirelessly to provide the required professional support to meet your expectations; and to other Divisions who supported the Committee.

I also take this opportunity to express my thanks to the interpreters, who once again have facilitated our seamless communication during our meeting.

I wish you all safe travels home and a very well-deserved and restful weekend. 

Thank you.

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