Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 10) - Opening remarks

ADDRESS OF THE IMO SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE OPENING OF THE TENTH SESSION OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON CARRIAGE OF CARGOES AND CONTAINERS (CCC 10), 16 to 20 September 2024

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 16 September, 2024

Good morning distinguished delegates,

Welcome to the tenth session of the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers. 

Let me begin by expressing my grave concerns  about the geopolitical conflicts that are affecting shipping and threatening the lives of seafarers.

Ships and seafarers must not be targeted for political reasons. Shipping serves all States and serves the common interest whether it be in the Black Sea or the Red Sea.

IMO and all its Member States have a responsibility to protect the lives of all seafarers. 

The attack on the bulker AYA on 11 September 2024 in the Black Sea is unacceptable and will again create risks for the food security of developing countries.

The attack on the MV SOUNION and the major threat it now poses to the environment is also unacceptable. The ship is now being towed, and I am very grateful to the EU and its Operation ASPIDES for the assistance it is now providing. 

I also reiterate my call for the immediate and unconditional release of the MV GALAXY LEADER and its crew. 

I would like to inform you that I am planning to invite the families of the crew of the Galaxy Leader to the IMO Headquarters on 5 November 2024. I am coordinating this with the assistance of ICS and ITF and with certain Member States. I hope that I can count on your support, particularly financial support, to enable them to travel to London.

As to the work of the Sub-Committee and its tasks, it is worth noting that your Sub-Committee has been playing a vital part in the development of technical provisions for alternative fuels and related technologies. Several sets of safety provisions are being developed and continuous efforts are being made to address emerging challenges and foster innovation. The development of a safety regulatory framework to support the reduction of GHG emissions from ships using new technologies and alternative fuels is a crucial task for this Organization.  

Taking into account last week’s the tremendous work done last week work of the Intersessional Working Group on Development of Technical Provisions for Safety of Ships using Alternative Fuels, you are expected to finalize the interim guidelines for the safety of ships using hydrogen and ammonia as fuel, at this session, bearing in mind the urgent need for the maritime industry to utilize these fuels to reduce GHG emissions and combat climate change. 

Another major task is the review of the IGC Code. The ongoing revision of the Code involves a large number of amendments, and I am confident in your expertise and that you will take appropriate action towards finalization of the review. 

I would emphasize the importance of the work on comprehensive review of the Recommendations on entering enclosed spaces on board ships, adopted by the Assembly by means of resolution A.1050(27), with a view to finalization.

I am confident that, with the usual IMO’s spirit of cooperation and under the leadership of your Chair, Ms. Maryanne Adams of the Marshall Islands, ably supported by the Vice-Chair, Mr. David Anderson of Australia, as well as the staff of the Maritime Safety Division together with the staff of supporting divisions, you will be able to successfully achieve the objectives set for this session. 

I extend my best wishes to all of you for every success in your deliberations; and I invite you all to join me and the Secretariat at my welcome reception after the close of today's business.

Thank you.

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