IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim has issued a new statement on attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea area.

Mr. Kitack Lim, stated:

"I condemn the attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea area and reiterate IMO´s strong commitment to protect seafarers, ships and cargoes, which is of the utmost importance to ensure the security of global supply chains. Attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea area are unacceptable. Ships must be able to trade worldwide without hindrance, in accordance with international maritime law.

The reorientation of commercial shipping by a number of companies operating globally is a direct response to the current threat. The aim of these measures is to protect seafarers from harm and to minimize the potential economic impact on world trade, which is heavily dependent on shipping.

The IMO Secretariat is closely monitoring developments and communicating with stakeholders, including the shipping industry, IMO Member States and UN partners.

Once again, I invite Member States to work together to ensure safe and unimpeded global shipping and the welfare of innocent seafarers around the world. This is a prerequisite for maintaining global supply chains and is in line with the Djibouti Code of Conduct framework."

News and image obtained: "Organización Marítima Internacional"

https://www.imo.org/es/MediaCentre/Paginas/WhatsNew-2020.aspx