Council of International Maritime Organization emphasised the protection of vital shipping lanes and seafarers

The International Maritime Organization IMO convened at its 137th regular session in London on 6–10 July 2026. A particular focus was on the need to protect seafarers and the freedom of merchant shipping. The Council also decided on a number of questions related to the administration and strategic development of the IMO.

One of the main topics was the impact of the situation at the Strait of Hormuz on international maritime transport and seafarers. The International Maritime Organization has condemned attacks on merchant shipping and innocent seafarers at the Strait of Hormuz. The Council has followed the situation and continues to emphasise how important it is to ensure the safety of maritime transport and vital international marine areas.

The Council also discussed the safety of maritime transport in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Together with other EU Member States, Finland supports Ukraine’s efforts to maintain safe and sustainable maritime traffic at its ports and condemns Russia’s military operations at sea and the use of the shadow fleet. Finland stresses the importance of safety, freedom and a system based on international rules in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

In addition, the Council considered a number of matters related to the IMO’s administration and strategic planning and approved the reports of the different Committee sessions. Finland is particularly satisfied with the Council’s decision to include funding for the development of the IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business (IMO Compendium) in the IMO’s budget for the next two-year period. The IMO Compendium is a key tool for promoting the electronic exchange of maritime transport data.

The Council condemned the attacks on merchant vessels and innocent seafarers in the Hormuz Strait region and stressed the need to protect vital international shipping lanes and the freedom of shipping. Finland participated in the presentation of the text on the topic. 

The Council of the International Maritime Organization consists of 40 Member States elected by the IMO Assembly. Finland is a member of the Council in 2026–2027. 

What’s next?

The next regular session of the IMO Council will be held in November 2026.

Inquiries:

Eero Hokkanen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Alternate Permanent Representative of Finland to the IMO, tel. +358 50 476 0401, [email protected]