UN maritime director states no worldwide security without maritime security

(MENAFN) The head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) emphasized on Monday that global security is impossible without safeguarding the world’s oceans, highlighting the importance of international cooperation to combat piracy, cyber threats, and environmental risks.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez addressed the UN Security Council, noting that shipping is a vital driver of the global economy, with over 12.3 billion tons of goods transported in 2024 by just 1.9 million seafarers. He warned that resilience in the sector cannot lead to complacency, adding that maritime safety and security are essential for economic stability, sustainable development, and livelihoods.

Dominguez reported nearly 150 piracy and armed robbery incidents last year, with hotspots in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, the Indian Ocean, and West Africa, endangering vessels, cargo, and seafarers. He urged prevention, innovation, and strengthened regional and international collaboration, stressing that maritime security is both technical and deeply human.

Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza also warned that automated port systems face growing cyber threats, including attacks accelerated by artificial intelligence, and highlighted INTERPOL’s role as a global information hub for 196 countries.

Additionally, Ricaurte Vasquez Morales, CEO of the Panama Canal Authority, underlined the canal’s strategic contribution to efficiency and climate goals, noting it saves vessels thousands of miles and prevents up to 16 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

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