IMO announced strategic priorities for the next 4 years

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has outlined strategic priorities for the next four years.

IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez stated that maritime transportation is indispensable as a global industry that transports more than 80% of goods around the world, Marine Transport Workers Trade Union of Ukraine reports.

“One thing I’m very focused on is making this Organization a more diverse, inclusive and transparent institution,” Dominguez commented.

The Secretary General outlined four strategic priorities:

• IMO’s work on regulation of international shipping;

• support to member states, especially small island developing states and least developed countries;

• raising awareness and image among the public;

• transparent relations with people and stakeholders.

Dominguez reiterated his condemnation of attacks on civilian vessels in the Red Sea and stressed the paramount importance of protecting the lives of sailors. He went on to call for de-escalation of tensions and freedom of navigation in the area.

According to estimates of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the volume of trade through the Suez Canal has fallen by 42% over the past two months.

Earlier, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reported that already about 18 shipping companies decided to bypass the Red Sea due to the threat from the Yemeni Houthis.

Read also: IMO calls for refraining from entering into ports under occupation