The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly today is set to adopt a lengthy resolution on the impact of the Ukraine war on international shipping. The resolution will see the establishment of an IMO-led technical assistance mission to support Ukrainian authorities in facilitating the restoration of an unimpeded flow of international navigation, ensuring and monitoring the safety and security of ships that are using the Ukrainian special maritime corridor and the Ukrainian port infrastructure.
The International Association of Lighthouse and Marine Aids to Navigation Authorities has already been assisting the Ukrainian authorities directly on safeguarding aids to navigation.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Infrastructure revealed this week that over 130 vessels have departed Ukrainian ports, exporting more than 5m tons of goods since August, weeks after Russia’s withdrawal from the United Nations-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative.
Last week, Ukraine’s foe, Russia, was voted off the top tier at the IMO Council.
Other member states encouraged Liberia, the world’s largest shipping flag, to launch a rival bid to win a seat in the top category A part of the council with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky also exhorting members via video link to not vote for Russia.
The council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible for supervising the work of the organisation.
