IMO Secretary-General says 2026 is a difficult year for global shipping
In Cyprus, Cyprus Mail reported that International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez described 2026 as a difficult year for global shipping. According to him, the industry has faced challenges due to geopolitical conflicts and disruptions to global supply chains.
Losses among seafarers
In an address for World Maritime Day, Dominguez said that too many seafarers had died as a result of geopolitical conflicts. He noted that the organization’s thoughts are first and foremost with the affected seafarers and their families.
The IMO Secretary-General also said that global energy and food supply chains had been disrupted. According to him, the organization will provide shipping and seafarers with firm and consistent support.
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From policy to practice
The theme of World Maritime Day 2026 is “From policy to practice, powering maritime excellence.” Dominguez explained that rules can make shipping safer, more sustainable and cleaner only if they are implemented worldwide. At the same time, he said, this implementation must primarily affect the people who work at sea.
The IMO seeks to support member states in effectively implementing its regulations so that they can benefit from the opportunities of the next decade. Among such opportunities, Dominguez named digitalization, responding to the energy transition, and expanding opportunities for women to create a more inclusive and diverse maritime sector.
For World Maritime Day, IMO headquarters is to be illuminated in blue as a symbol of the transition from policy to practice. The organization also called on member states and international and non-governmental organizations to join the initiative.
