The Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has passed a resolution that supports the freedom of navigation through international straits. It condemns any attacks on commercial ships and calls for safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, especially given the rising tensions in the Middle East.
This resolution was adopted at the end of the 137th session of the IMO Council held last week. It highlights that the right to transit through straits used for international navigation “should not be threatened, hindered, denied, or interrupted.” It also reminds coastal nations to manage maritime traffic according to international law and IMO regulations.
The statement comes as commercial shipping is facing increased security risks around the Strait of Hormuz. These issues have arisen after the breakdown of the U.S.-Iran agreement and a new wave of attacks on merchant vessels, which have significantly decreased traffic in this vital waterway.
Specifically regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the Council condemned attacks on civilian ships and urged a reduction in regional tensions. It emphasized that any agreements made by the countries in the region must secure an unrestricted and fair right of transit passage for all ships through the IMO-recognized traffic separation scheme established in 1968.
The Council also reaffirmed that passage through the Strait should be free of tolls and charges as per international law. This position comes in response to recent talks about possible transit fees and permit requirements in this strategically crucial area.
The Council has asked IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez to look into ways to improve maritime safety in the region and collaborate with coastal states, other IMO members, and industry groups to restore normal shipping operations through the Strait.
Looking beyond the Middle East, the Council pointed to the successful cooperative management practiced by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore as a model for regional collaboration. They urged governments and industries to continue supporting this mechanism with financial and in-kind contributions to its navigation and trust funds.
The Council also approved the 2025 annual report and financial statements of the IMO. It noted that contributions from member states are the main source of funding for the organization. The IMO reported total revenue of £77.96 million in 2025, an increase of nearly 3% compared to the previous year, while maintaining a 99.1% collection rate of member-state contributions.
Other decisions included approving an updated risk management policy with a new fraud risk annex, reviewing the progress of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme, and granting consultative status to several non-governmental organizations. These include the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, SEA-LNG, the International Electric Marine Association, and, on a provisional basis, The Ocean Foundation.