IMO Chief Briefs NGOs on Shadow Fleets, Seafarer Safety

IMO Secretary-General Outlines Key Priorities to NGOs

At a briefing held on 30 May 2025, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez addressed The Nautical Institute and other accredited NGOs on several pressing issues currently facing the organisation. According to a report published by the Nautical Institute, the discussion covered substandard shipping, seafarer welfare, maritime security and decarbonisation efforts.

Substandard Shipping and Flag State Responsibility

Dominguez identified the so-called “dark” or “shadow fleet” — vessels operating outside recognised safety and regulatory standards — as a major concern for the IMO. Alongside this, the organisation continues to grapple with rising cases of seafarer abandonment and fraudulent vessel registries.

The secretary-general noted that in some instances of substandard operation, abandonment, or fraudulent registration, governments have outsourced day-to-day flag state administration to commercial companies. However, he stressed that legal responsibility as the signatory to IMO conventions remains with the flag state government itself, regardless of any outsourcing arrangement.

Maritime Security Under Close Watch

Maritime security continues to receive detailed scrutiny from the IMO, with Dominguez indicating that recent geopolitical developments are being closely monitored and remain a high priority on his agenda.

Progress on Seafarer Criminalisation Guidelines

A notable development highlighted in the briefing was the recent approval by the IMO’s legal committee of guidelines addressing the criminalisation of seafarers. Described as a welcome step, these guidelines now require effective implementation, a process the IMO says it is monitoring carefully.

Decarbonisation and Internal Modernisation

The IMO’s Net Zero Framework for shipping decarbonisation also featured among the priorities discussed. While MEPC 83 reached agreement on new regulations for adoption into MARPOL Annex VI, Dominguez noted that substantial work remains in developing the guidelines and processes needed for practical implementation.

The secretary-general further described internal initiatives aimed at keeping the IMO’s operational processes technologically current, with the goal of maximising organisational efficiency.

Nautical Institute’s Ongoing Engagement

The Nautical Institute said it was honoured to be invited to the briefing and reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for its members and the broader seafaring community within the IMO. The organisation noted that updates on its IMO engagement are published regularly in its monthly journal, Seaways.