Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 108) - Opening remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE OPENING OF THE 108TH SESSION OF THE MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE, 15 to 24 May 2024

Delivered by IMO Secretary General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 15 May, 2024

Good morning distinguished delegates, 

Welcome to the 108th session of the Maritime Safety Committee.

Allow me first to address the pressing concerns that continue to afflict our maritime community. The safety and well-being of seafarers remain of utmost importance, especially considering the ongoing challenges highlighted by recent distressing events in the Red Sea and off the coast of Somalia.

I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my call for the immediate release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew who remain hijacked since November 2023.

Seafarers affected by these incidents must not be forgotten and it is incumbent upon us to pursue every available avenue to secure their safe return to their loved ones and their livelihoods.  

You will be considering this subject in detail under agenda item 7, in particular on what further actions can be taken to help address this critical situation in the Red Sea, which continues to impact the global economy and freedom of navigation; endangers the marine environment; and has already cost the lives of innocent seafarers. 

As you all know, this year’s World Maritime theme: “Navigating the future: safety first!”, is most closely related to the work of your Committee and the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the SOLAS Convention represents a pledge to uphold the highest standards of safety in every aspect of this Organization’s regulatory work.

Your Committee has many important items on the agenda.

Progress has been made in developing a goal-based MASS Code, but there is still a considerable amount of work to be done. For enabling MASS operations, you continue to work in the provision of a regulatory response, following an appropriate and comprehensive exercise. 

This brings me to the role of your Committee in the future environmental sustainability of international shipping. You will undertake work for alternative fuels and new technologies from a safety point of view, in supporting the safe delivery of IMO’s GHG reduction strategy.

International shipping and ports are undergoing significant transformation with ever evolving cyber connected systems. But this transformation brings with it emerging cyber security threats and risks. A key matter for your consideration at this session will be the proposed revision of the Guidelines on Maritime Cyber Risk Management and the next steps to enhance maritime cyber security. 

In relation to piracy and armed robbery against ships, I am deeply concerned over the first increase in the number of incidents for several years, and worry that growing global instability is a contributory factor, with 150 incidents reported in 2023 compared to 131 incidents in 2022. I urge this Committee and all stakeholders to take every action possible to address this alarming trend. 

I would highly commend regional and international efforts to implement the Djibouti and Yaoundé Codes of Conduct and other important regional initiatives.

Following recent accessions, as of today 22 Member States are parties to the 2012 Cape Town Agreement, with an aggregated number of 2,636 fishing vessels. However, 3,600 fishing vessels are needed for the entry into force of the Agreement. I urge Member States to consider accession in order to finally bring the Cape Town Agreement into force, thereby filling the missing gap for fishing vessels safety and sustainable fisheries. The Secretariat stands ready to provide any technical and legal support needed to achieve this long-awaited milestone.

I am pleased to announce that I will host a Symposium on Friday, 17 May, beginning at 2.30 p.m., under the theme "Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety", granting the first Gender Equality Award. I encourage all of you to join this event, and to promote and celebrate the International Day for Women in Maritime in a meaningful manner at both personal and professional levels.

I am confident that your Committee will progress significantly under the capable leadership of your Chair, Mrs. Mayte Medina of the United States, ably supported by the Vice-Chair, Capt. Mozas of Greece, as well as the staff of 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 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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