Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111) - Opening remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE OPENING OF THE 111TH SESSION OF THE MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE (MSC 111), 13 to 22 May 2026

Delivered by IMO Secreary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 13 May 2026

Welcome

Good morning, distinguished delegates,

Welcome to the 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee. 

Before turning to the work of this session, I must once again address the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, which remains deeply concerning.

A significant number of seafarers are now stranded on board vessels unable to operate normally or to leave the region, effectively confined for prolonged periods in a high risk environment. These seafarers are facing sustained security threats and severe psychological pressure. This is an unacceptable situation for a civilian workforce. Beyond the human cost, the continued immobilization of ships in and around the Gulf carries serious consequences for global trade, energy supply and economic stability. The longer this situation persists, the greater the risk of a serious maritime incident.

The fundamental principles are clear and unquestionable: freedom of navigation must be respected; the safety of seafarers and ships must be ensured; and seafarers and merchant vessels must never become collateral victims of geopolitical tensions. These principles must translate into action.

In this context, I have been mandated to facilitate work aimed at enabling the establishment of maritime corridors for the safe evacuation of seafarers, should the situation require it. This plan is firmly anchored in international law and IMO standards and is intended to be implemented by the relevant countries. Efforts to operationalize it are ongoing.

However, I must be absolutely clear: it is unacceptable that continued disagreements prevent the implementation of this plan, leaving seafarers blocked on board ships for months on end. There are practical solutions to implement this plan. What is missing is not a legal basis, but the ability to reach agreement without further delay, in the interest of safety, responsibility and humanity.

I will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders, and I welcome any initiative that can help bring about tangible solutions to the current crisis, provided it fully respects freedom of navigation and established international law.

I also wish to draw your attention to the renewed reports of piracy and armed robbery against ships off the coast of Somalia. This development is a matter of growing concern. It serves as a reminder that progress achieved over past years remains fragile and requires sustained vigilance.

The Best Management Practice developed with the industry remain relevant, and we cannot to be complacent. I call on flag States and industry representatives to reiterate to shipowners and operators the importance of the application of these best practices when navigating through high-risk areas.

Turning now to the work of this session, you have a very extensive agenda. It aligns closely with the theme of this year’s World Maritime Day: “From Policy to Practice.”

You will be invited to consider and adopt important amendments to mandatory instruments, including the SOLAS Convention and several key codes, thereby strengthening the global maritime safety framework and supporting effective implementation by Member States. 

A particularly important opportunity before you this week is the advancement of work towards finalizing the first international Code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships – the MASS Code.

Progress on this Code represents a significant milestone for the Organization. It demonstrates IMO’s ability to anticipate technological developments and to provide a clear, global and safety driven regulatory framework, ensuring innovation is introduced responsibly and without compromising safety, accountability or the critical role of the human element.

Finalizing this Code would be a strong and concrete illustration of moving from policy to practice. 

I am confident that, under your new Chair, Mr. Theofilos Mozas of Greece, supported by the Secretariat, you will be able to achieve the objectives set for this session. I have no doubt that delegations will be very supportive of the Chair in his first session, contributing to a successful meeting.

Finally, I invite you all to the welcome reception in the Delegates Lounge after the close of today’s business 

Thank you. 

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