The Importance of Preserving Navigational Rights: Insights from the Recent IMO Council Session
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) plays a vital role in ensuring safe and efficient maritime navigation across the globe. During the 137th session of the IMO Council, held from July 6 to July 10, 2025, significant discussions centered around the critical issue of navigational rights and the safety of seafarers.
Navigational Rights and Freedom
One of the key resolutions adopted during the council meeting emphasized the paramount importance of maintaining navigational rights as stipulated under international law. The council firmly reiterated that the right of transit passage through straits used for international navigation must not be impeded, denied, or hampered in any way.
This resolution is crucial in safeguarding vital shipping lanes worldwide, ensuring that maritime trade—and the global economy—remains uninterrupted. The IMO is committed to providing a framework in which coastal States can manage their territorial waters without infringing on international navigational rights.
The Strait of Hormuz: Ongoing Challenges
The Strait of Hormuz has long been a focal point of geopolitical tension, making it one of the most strategically important maritime chokepoints in the world. During the session, the council condemned the attacks on civilian commercial ships in this region, calling for efforts to de-escalate ongoing tensions.
The council stressed that any arrangements made by littoral States—countries bordering the Strait—must guarantee the non-discriminatory passage of all ships through the internationally recognized traffic separation scheme established by the IMO in 1968. Importantly, the passage through this strategic waterway must remain free of any tolls or charges, in accordance with international law.
To further safeguard maritime traffic, the council tasked the Secretary-General of the IMO with exploring options to promote safe navigation and work collaboratively with littoral States and other stakeholders to ensure a sustainable return to unhindered maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz.
Collaborative Efforts in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore
In addition to discussing the Strait of Hormuz, the council explored successful management techniques employed in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore have effectively collaborated through a “Cooperative Mechanism” that aligns governmental and industry interests. This model aims to facilitate shared responsibilities in ensuring maritime safety while reducing potential risks in these busy shipping lanes.
The council invited member states and stakeholders to contribute both financially and in-kind to support this Cooperative Mechanism, which includes two managerial funds: the Aids to Navigation Fund and the IMO Straits of Malacca and Singapore Trust Fund.
Financial Reports and Organizational Effectiveness
The IMO’s effective management is underscored by its robust financial performance. The council approved the annual financial report for 2025, revealing a collection rate of 99.10% from member states, showcasing high compliance and commitment. Total revenue rose by 2.97% to £77.96 million, driven by increased publication sales and contributions from member states.
This financial stability is pivotal, as it enables the IMO to undertake various initiatives and reinforce its governance framework, promoting safer and more efficient maritime operations globally.
Updated Risk Management Policies
The council also took significant steps in updating the IMO’s Risk Management Policy, specifically regarding fraud and corruption. The introduction of a new Strategic Fraud Risk Management Annex will provide clearer tools for the organization to address risks, enhancing transparency and ensuring that the IMO operates with integrity.
Auditing and Transparency Initiatives
An essential aspect of improving maritime safety is maintaining oversight through audits. The council observed the successful completion of the first audit cycle of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS). Since its inception in 2016, the IMO has conducted 168 audits of member states, ensuring adherence to safety standards and regulations.
The successful audits, particularly for Belarus, Haiti, and Mozambique in 2026, encourage proactive engagement and transparency; the council urged states to authorize the release of their audit reports, enabling full public access and encouraging best practices among all member states.
NGO Engagement
Recognizing the value of collaboration, the IMO Council granted consultative status to several non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Notable recipients include the International Electric Marine Association (IEMA) and the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS). Such partnerships expand the sphere of maritime safety discourse and innovation, allowing NGOs to contribute their expertise to the IMO’s ongoing initiatives.
World Maritime Day: Celebrating Achievements
Looking ahead, the council welcomed Qatar’s offer to host the World Maritime Day Parallel Event in 2028. This annual celebration serves to recognize achievements within the maritime sector and encourages broader participation and visibility. This year’s celebration emphasizes the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” highlighting the importance of practical implementation of policies to achieve maritime safety and compliance.
Commendations and Recognitions
The IMO Council also deliberated on commendations, demonstrating its appreciation for acts of bravery at sea. Posthumous recognition is set to be bestowed upon Mr. Adrian Willyson Brask, alongside certificates of commendation for others who displayed remarkable courage during maritime emergencies.
Moreover, Mr. Jeffrey G. Lantz has been selected to receive the 2025 International Maritime Prize, honoring his significant contributions to the IMO’s objectives and the maritime sector at large.
Through these discussions and resolutions, the recent IMO Council session emphasized not only the current challenges facing international shipping but also the commitment to ensuring safety, compliance, and collaboration across nations and maritime stakeholders.