Legal Committee (LEG 112) - Closing remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE CLOSING OF THE 112TH SESSION OF THE LEGAL COMMITTEE (LEG 112), 24 to 28 March 2025

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez on 28 March, 2025

Distinguished delegates, 

We have come to the end of the 112th session of the Legal Committee. 

Let me begin by expressing my condolences to those who have been affected by the recent events in Thailand Myanmar and in Egypt.

With regards to this week's meeting, let me highlight few important matters:

The well-being of seafarers continues to be of great concern to me and to the entire Membership of the Organization. You have adopted the Guidelines on the fair treatment of seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes. The Guidelines will add a significant value in resolving the challenges faced by seafarers and ensure that seafarers are treated fairly. 

You also agreed on adding four new outputs to the work programme of the Committee:

• First, on the development of guidelines or best practices for the registration of ships for the benefit of safety, protection of the marine environment and the well-being of seafarers;
• Secondly,  on the suitability of IMO liability and compensation regimes with respect to alternative fuels; 
  
• An output on Measures to address maritime security threats; and
  
• Lastly, Developing a Regulatory Scoping Exercise in connection with substandard ships. 
  

Delegates,

In order to make best possible use of the expertise of the Legal Committee and the resources available within the Secretariat, I urge you to prepare substantive submissions for consideration that contribute to achieving tangible results for each output within the remit of the Legal Committee, while avoiding duplication of work with other IMO organs. Similarly, I call all of you to abide by the method of work of the Committee in future sessions, particularly, in relation to the submission of proposals for new outputs. From our side, we will enhance our approach in assisting the Chair in the evaluation of the proposals in accordance with the established practices. 

I would like to thank your Chair for his leadership during this session. He has efficiently and effectively guided the Committee in his first session as Chair. I would also like to thank your Vice Chair, Ms. Lydia Markari-Kyriacou, for her support throughout the week. 

My appreciation also go to the Chair of the working group, Mr. Mark Gebauer (Germany) for ensuring the successful outcome of the group.

As always, this is also an opportune moment to express our gratitude to those delegates and experts who are leaving and concluding their tenure with us and for whom this marks the final session of the Committee. We wish them all the best for their future endeavours.

I am grateful for the efforts of the Legal Affairs and External Relations Division, who led the preparations for this meeting, for the dedication of all the staff of the Secretariat, who work tirelessly to provide the required professional support to meet your expectations. 

I also take this opportunity to express my thanks to the interpreters, who once again have facilitated our seamless communication during our meeting.

Before closing the session, I would like to remind you of the IMO/ITLOS workshop which will take place in Committee Room 9 at 2 p.m., followed by a reception hosted by Cyprus.

I wish you all a restful weekend, and a safe journey home.

Thank you.

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