IMO Secretary-General opens Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment with call to respect freedom of navigation in International Shipping News 10/03/2026 The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Mr. Arsenio Dominguez addressed the IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment on Monday 9 March as it convenes its 12th session (9-13 March) at IMO headquarters in London. His full speech is below: “Good morning distinguished delegates. I am pleased to welcome you all to the twelfth session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment. As we open this session of the SSE Sub-Committee, I must express my grave concern regarding the recent attacks on merchant vessels in the region of the Strait of Hormuz, which have resulted in at least seven fatalities and several injured seafarers, some of them gravely. As I have said on numerous occasions, any attack on innocent seafarers or civilian shipping is unacceptable. These seafarers are simply carrying out their duties and performing an essential service to the global community, ensuring the continued flow of goods and energy, and they must be protected from the consequences of broader geopolitical tensions. All parties without exception, and I repeat, without exception, must respect the freedom of navigation, which a fundamental principle of international maritime law. I continue to monitor the situation closely, and I reiterate my call for all shipping companies to exercise maximum caution when operating in the affected region. My thoughts are also with the many seafarers who remain at sea in areas of heightened risk, especially those who are directly impacted by the instability in and around the Strait of Hormuz. They continue to perform their duties under challenging and uncertain circumstances as tensions escalate. As I have emphasized publicly, I urge all stakeholders to remain vigilant against disinformation and to rely only on verified, authoritative sources when making operational decisions. To support this, the Organization has made available a dedicated webpage where regularly updated and verified information on the evolving situation is published, ensuring that seafarers, companies, and administrations can access reliable information directly from IMO. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez (centre) addresses the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment on 9 March, seated with the SSE Chair, Mr. Hironori Eguro, of Japan (right). I stand in solidarity with the injured seafarers, with the families of those who have lost loved ones, and with all crews who continue to keep global shipping moving under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Their safety and welfare remain my highest priority. International Women’s Day Yesterday, 8 March, marked International Women’s Day, celebrated globally under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” This year, the United Nations is calling for action to dismantle the barriers that continue to stand in the way of equal justice: discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, and harmful practices and social norms that erode the rights of women and girls. In the maritime sector, we all have a role to play in breaking down institutional barriers that hinder – rather than enhance – diversity and inclusion. Recent evidence from the Women in Maritime Survey provides a clear picture of where we stand: it highlights the policies and measures already in place across the sector, while also identifying