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The International Maritime Organization (IMO) will convene an extraordinary meeting of its governing Council next week to address escalating concerns about the safety of shipping and seafarers in the Gulf region.
Council convenes as tensions raise shipping concerns
The 36th Extraordinary Session of the IMO Council will take place on 18 and 19 March 2026 at the organization’s headquarters in London. The session will focus on the implications of recent developments in the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Gulf region, with particular attention on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
According to the organization, the session was convened following requests from several Council member states seeking a coordinated international response to the deteriorating security situation affecting merchant shipping.
The meeting will be chaired by Victor Jiménez of Spain, who currently serves as Chair of the Council.
Industry briefings held ahead of council talks
Ahead of the extraordinary session, IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez held a series of briefings to gather input from both governments and the maritime industry.
Industry organizations were briefed on 11 March, followed by a consultation with IMO Member States on 12 March. The discussions focused on sharing operational information and assessing potential risks for commercial shipping operating in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically important shipping corridors in global trade. A significant portion of the world’s oil and gas exports moves through the narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea.
For shipowners, operators and project cargo carriers, the concern is straightforward. When security risks rise in a chokepoint like Hormuz, operational decisions quickly follow. Rerouting, increased insurance premiums and naval escorts can rapidly alter voyage economics.
Council expected to assess impact on seafarers and trade flows
The IMO Council functions as the executive body of the organization and is composed of 40 member states elected by the IMO Assembly.
During the extraordinary session, council members are expected to assess the evolving security environment and consider measures aimed at safeguarding seafarers and maintaining the flow of international trade through the region.
For logistics planners and maritime operators, the discussions in London could offer the first coordinated signal on how the international maritime community intends to manage risks in one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors.
