Ukraine and 34 other countries called on IMO to strengthen shipping protection in the Black Sea

Ukraine, together with 34 other states, has appealed to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to strengthen the protection of merchant shipping in the Black Sea.

Separately, the Ukrainian side has proposed developing a new international document to protect ships and sailors during war at sea,  SAFETY4SEA reports.

The joint appeal of 35 states with the participation of the European Commission is dated October 2, 2026. The document was submitted for consideration by the 138th session of the IMO Council, which is taking place in London from November 2 to 6.

In the appeal, the countries expressed concern about the intensification of Russian attacks on merchant ships, Ukrainian ports and maritime security infrastructure.

In particular, they are talking about threats to search and rescue services, pilotage of ships, traffic control systems and navigation equipment.

The authors of the appeal emphasize that systematic attacks can actually make the Ukrainian Sea Corridor inaccessible to international shipping even without its formal closure.

In this regard, the countries called on the IMO Council to condemn the attacks, confirm the importance of freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, and demand the cessation of actions that impede the operation of the Ukrainian sea route.

Among the proposed measures are increased monitoring of the security situation, exchange of information on incidents between flag states, Ukraine, and the IMO Secretariat, as well as continued technical assistance to Ukraine.

In addition, the countries propose to establish systematic reporting on attacks on merchant ships and regularly update the relevant IMO data.

The document also provides statistics on the operation of the Ukrainian Sea Corridor. According to the Ministry of Reconstruction, from the beginning of its operation until July 29, 2026, the ports of Greater Odessa processed 209.3 million tons of cargo, of which 124.1 million tons were grain. During this period, 8,222 ships passed through the corridor.

Separately, on November 2, the Minister of Reconstruction, Infrastructure and Transport of Ukraine Mykola Kalashnyk sent an appeal to the IMO regarding Russian attacks on civilian shipping.

As reported by the Shipping Telegraph, in the letter, Ukraine called on IMO member states to initiate the development of a new legally binding international document that would guarantee freedom of navigation and the protection of merchant ships and seafarers during military operations at sea.

Kalashnyk also proposed to increase the dissemination of verified information about threats to shipping, coordinate measures to protect seafarers and provide assistance to victims and families of dead or missing crew members.

The Ukrainian side asked to distribute the appeal as an official document among IMO member states, UN agencies and other interested international organizations.

So far, there has been no information about the adoption of a new international document or the approval of all proposed measures by the IMO Council.

USM previously reported that Sybiha discussed shipping safety in the Black Sea with the IMO Secretary General.