Latvia Monitors Persian Gulf Situation, IMO Condemns Attacks on Shipping
The Latvian Ministry of Transport (SM) reports that currently, 19 Latvian seafarers are in the Persian Gulf region. However, no vessels flying the Latvian flag are currently located in or near the Persian Gulf. Latvian authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and the country participated in an extraordinary session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London this week to address the escalating concerns in the Middle East and their impact on international shipping and seafarers.
IMO Condemns Threats to Maritime Safety
The IMO Council, comprised of 40 member states and attended by observers like Latvia, strongly condemned threats and attacks against merchant and commercial vessels, as well as statements regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This condemnation aligns with UN Security Council Resolution No. 2817 .
The Council emphasized that such developments pose a serious threat to maritime safety, the well-being of seafarers, and international trade. A coordinated international response to security challenges was called for, stressing the importance of respecting freedom of navigation and maritime rights in accordance with international law.
Call for Safe Maritime Corridor
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stressed the need for concrete steps to protect seafarers and uphold freedom of navigation, stating that inaction is not an option. The Seafarers’ Protection and Welfare Council called for an immediate cessation of all attacks on vessels endangering civilian crews.
Member states were urged to ensure uninterrupted supplies of essential goods – water, food, fuel, and others – to ships unable to leave the region. Facilitating crew changes in line with international standards was also emphasized to safeguard seafarers’ health and safety.
The Council also highlighted the importance of maintaining communication between seafarers and their families and ensuring ships are adequately stocked. A key proposal was the urgent establishment of a temporary safe maritime corridor to allow commercial vessels to safely exit the Persian Gulf, protecting the lives of seafarers and ensuring safe commercial navigation by preventing military attacks.
IMO to Negotiate Humanitarian Corridor
Dominguez has been tasked with initiating negotiations to create a humanitarian corridor for the evacuation of ships and crews. He indicated readiness to begin these negotiations without delay, emphasizing that implementation requires commitment from all involved states and stakeholders.
About the International Maritime Organization
The IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for maritime safety and security, and for preventing pollution of the marine and atmospheric environment caused by ships.