IMO: Addressing maritime security crisis in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden - urgent call and resolution proposal

The International Maritime Organization has published committee documents regarding the measures to enhance maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The document MSC 108/7/2 was published on 12 March 2024, and the document MSC 108/7/4 was published on 26 March 2024.

At the 108th session of the Maritime Safety Committee, Agenda item 7 addressed measures to enhance maritime security, particularly focusing on security in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Document MSC 108/7/2, submitted by various maritime organizations, highlights the grave security situation in the region.

The document highlights the severity of the situation, with civilian merchant ships facing daily threats and attacks, resulting in casualties among seafarers. It outlines the impacts of the crisis, including fatalities, injuries, environmental damage, and disruptions to global trade routes.

Efforts by the international community, such as military operations and diplomatic initiatives, are acknowledged, but it's emphasized that normalcy can only return with assured safety and security in the region.

A proposal is made for the Committee to condemn the attacks and establish a group to explore solutions, including developing resolutions, promoting best practices, and enhancing information sharing.

The Committee is called upon to consider the information and the proposed actions outlined in the document and decide on appropriate measures.

Document MSC 108/7/4, submitted by a coalition of nations and the European Commission, serves as a response and support to document MSC 108/7/2.

The document emphasizes the urgency of addressing the dire security situation highlighted in MSC 108/7/2 and acknowledges the significant threat posed by Houthi attacks. It presents a draft resolution for the Committee's consideration, aligning with strategic directives outlined in MSC-MEPC Circ.5/Rev.5. The resolution aims to mitigate the risks posed by Houthi attacks and safeguard the safety of seafarers and maritime commerce.

The Committee is called upon to review the document and draft resolution and take appropriate action to address the security challenges in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden effectively.

Annex

Resolution of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee on the security situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden resulting from Houthi attacks on commercial ships and seafarers

THE MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE,

RECALLING the purposes of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as set forth in Article 1 of the Convention, and the mission in the Strategic Plan of IMO to promote safe, secure, environmentally sound, efficient, and sustainable shipping through cooperation,

REAFFIRMING its commitment to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and all relevant international conventions and agreements related to maritime safety, security and environmental protection,

RECALLING that United Nations Security Council resolution 2722 underscores support for the navigational rights and freedoms of vessels in the Red Sea, condemns Houthi attacks on commercial ships, demands the Houthis immediately cease such attacks and release the M/V Galaxy Leader and its crew that were seized by the Houthis on 19 November 2023,

RECALLING ALSO the statement of the IMO Secretary-General on 11 January 2024 supporting United Nations Security Council resolution 2722 affirming that the exercise of navigational rights and freedom by merchant vessels, in accordance with international law, must be respected,

NOTING that the illegal and unjustifiable attacks by the Houthis on ships transiting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden have killed innocent seafarers and continue to jeopardize the lives and safety of seafarers,

NOTING ALSO that, despite repeated warnings from the international community, the Houthis have carried out over 50 dangerous and destabilizing maritime attacks since 19 November 2023,

HIGHLIGHTING that the Houthis' reckless actions are putting innocent lives at risk, disrupting the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian aid to those who need it most, increasing the cost of this humanitarian assistance, and destabilizing the region,

HIGHLIGHTING ALSO that the Houthis' reckless actions pose a direct threat to the freedom of navigation in one of the world's most critical waterways, are causing major disruptions to regional and global trade, and are impeding the movement of critical food, fuel, humanitarian assistance, and other essential goods throughout the world,

NOTING that the 25 seafarers who make up the crew of the M/V Galaxy Leader who have been held captive by the Houthis since 19 November 2023 are innocent victims of the ongoing aggression against world shipping, and their plight is a major concern as the merchant shipping community continues to come under attack,

RECALLING the statement of international industry bodies on 19 February 2024 calling on the Houthis to release the crew of the M/V Galaxy Leader,

RECALLING ALSO the statement of the IMO Secretary-General on 4 March 2024, urging for the immediate release of the M/V Galaxy Leader and its crew,

NOTING the inevitable increased air emissions from ships as they reroute around Africa or transit the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden at increased speed,

RECALLING that the missile attack by the Houthis on the M/V Rubymar on 18 February 2024 resulted in the vessel sinking, causing pollution to the marine environment and consequential effects on the livelihoods of local communities,

RECOGNIZING the IMO Secretary-General's commitment that IMO will continue to contribute to enhancing the safety of seafarers and transit of vessels of all States through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and will closely monitor the situation, in collaboration with Member States and partners from the industry,

EXTENDS its deepest condolences to the families of those seafarers that lost their lives during the attack by the Houthis on the M/V True Confidence on 6 March 2024;

DEPLORES AND CONDEMNS in the strongest possible terms the illegal and unjustifiable attacks by the Houthis against commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden which threaten the safety and welfare of seafarers and the marine environment;

DEMANDS the Houthis immediately cease attacking commercial ships to ensure the safety and welfare of seafarers and the security of international shipping;

DEPLORES the Houthis' illegal seizure of the M/V Galaxy Leader and URGES for the immediate and unconditional release of the M/V Galaxy Leader and its crew;

EMPHASIZES that all Member States should adhere to their obligations under the targeted UN arms embargo and take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply of arms and related materiel of all types to the Houthis, as called for in United Nations Security Council resolution 2216;

UNDERSCORES the paramount importance of preserving the safety and welfare of seafarers and URGES Member States and observer organizations to provide maximum assistance to seafarers affected by the Houthis' reckless actions;

ALSO UNDERSCORES the need to preserve the security of international shipping, the marine environment, the maritime community, and the supply chains that sustain other nations;

STRESSES the critical importance of maintaining the freedom of navigation of commercial ships;

CALLS UPON all parties to seek to resolve the crisis through peaceful dialogue and diplomatic channels and ENCOURAGES any party that may have influence with the Houthis to use that influence to seek an end to Houthi attacks on commercial ships and seafarers;

ENCOURAGES operators and vessels to carefully assess the nature and unpredictability of recent events, as well as the potential of continued Houthi attacks, when considering their current and imminent transit plans, based on vessel profile, business need and risk tolerance;

REQUESTS IMO and its relevant Committees to keep this matter under review and take such further action as it may consider necessary in light of developments;

REQUESTS the IMO Secretary-General's commitment that IMO will continue to contribute to enhancing the safety of seafarers and transit of vessels of all States through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and will closely monitor the situation, in collaboration with Member States and partners from the industry.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

MEASURES TO ENHANCE MARITIME SECURITY - Security in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden

MEASURES TO ENHANCE MARITIME SECURITY - Comments on document MSC 108/7/2 on security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden