IMO's Secretary-General calls for the safety of seafarers as military tensions rise in the Black Sea, impacting maritime trade and safety.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, has issued a critical statement regarding the recent escalation of military tensions in the Black Sea region and its effects on civil maritime activities.
Emphasizing the seriousness of the situation, Dominguez made an urgent call to all parties involved in the conflict. He stated, "As the situation in the Black Sea continues to escalate, I urge all parties to refrain from targeting innocent seafarers, port workers, and commercial vessels."
Particularly concerning are the increased attacks on port infrastructure in the region following the expiration of the Black Sea Grain Corridor agreement, as well as the mine threats faced by commercial vessels, which have raised alarm in the international community.
Dominguez stressed that civil maritime trade should not be entangled in geopolitical conflicts. He warned, "Maritime transportation should not be used as a guarantee (hostage) in geopolitical situations. Additionally, an increasing environmental risk is developing in the region." There are concerns that a potential attack on a tanker or cargo ship could lead to irreversible disasters in the Black Sea ecosystem.
Concluding his statement, the IMO Secretary-General expressed his readiness to support diplomatic efforts. He noted that international maritime transportation, vital for global food supply and trade flow, must continue for the benefit of all, stating, "I would like to express my readiness to support any negotiation efforts aimed at this purpose."
Source: www.denizhaber.com
