DAR ES SALAAM: THE International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has stressed that maritime safety, security and environmental protection in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden are crucial for global trade and the welfare of communities worldwide.
IMO Secretary General, Mr Arsenio Dominguez, made this statement in Dar es Salaam yesterday during the 7th HighLevel Meeting on the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC) and its Jeddah Amendment.
The meeting focused on countering piracy and strengthening maritime security. The meeting brought together representatives from over 20 member states, including EU Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Christine Grau and Danish Ambassador to Somalia, Steen Andersen.
Adopted in 2009, the DCoC aims to enhance regional capacity to combat piracy and armed robbery at sea. The 2017 Jeddah Amendment expanded its scope to include broader maritime security threats, such as smuggling, marine pollution and human trafficking.
Mr Dominguez emphasised the need to safeguard seafarers, noting their essential role in maintaining global trade and humanitarian supply chains.
“Without hard-working men and women, many from the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden region, the essential flow of goods, services, market access, and humanitarian efforts would cease,” he said.
He highlighted that trade disruptions, often driven by conflict, have led to delays, port closures and increased insurance costs, which elevate food prices.
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Maintaining secure shipping channels is essential to ensure global trade continuity and connectivity, he stressed. Mr Dominguez expressed concern over recent attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, calling them a significant threat to global shipping networks.
“These attacks pose a serious risk to the safety of seafarers, the stability of maritime trade and regional security,” he warned.
He urged sustained regional cooperation to prevent a resurgence of piracy crises. During the meeting, it was also stressed that tackling piracy involves addressing other maritime crimes. Dominguez called for stronger collective efforts to ensure the stability of maritime corridors.
In his opening remarks, Tanzania’s Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, acknowledged that piracy and maritime crimes disrupt global supply chains.
“Despite member states’ efforts, there are still malicious individuals and groups undermining regional stability,” he said.
Prof Mbarawa emphasised the importance of vigilance, cooperation and adaptable strategies to mitigate threats. He highlighted the Jeddah Amendment’s recognition of the blue economy’s role in sustainable economic growth, food security and regional stability.
