IMO Council Condemns Red Sea and Black Sea Attacks on Merchant Shipping

· Shipping

The Council of the International Maritime Organization condemned attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea and Black Sea and mourned the loss of the 25th seafarer since the onset of the Strait of Hormuz conflict. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the safety, security and health of seafarers and renewed the Secretary-General's tenure. The statement signals that the UN shipping regulator is treating the spread of attacks across two additional sea lanes as a systemic threat to global trade rather than isolated incidents.

Why it matters：The IMO's stance can shape flag-state and port-state responses, insurance treatment and crew-protection rules as attacks spread across multiple trade lanes.

Key points

  • The Council condemned attacks in both the Red Sea and Black Sea.
  • It marked the 25th seafarer death since the Hormuz conflict began.
  • The Secretary-General's tenure was renewed.

Sources (original reporting)

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