Keeping the marine roads in safety today while taking on emerging challenges was at the center of a debate in the UN Security advice Monday which was summoned by Panama, president for the month of August.
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General International Maritime Organization (OMI), said to the Council that last year, a workforce of only 1.9 million sailors moved more than 12.3 billion tonnes of goods, “mainly maintained world trade.”
Security and security interruption
He said that the maritime sector turned out to be “remarkably resilient” in the face of geopolitical challenges.
” Again Resilience cannot raise the complacency“He warned.
“” Maritime sector security is fundamental for economic stabilitysustainable maritime development and livelihoods. »»
Multiple threats
There are many threats. Nearly 150 piracy and armed robbery incidents were reported in 2024 only. In some regions such as Southeast Asia, incidents are increasing, according to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
Beyond hacking, international ships exercising the Red Sea were also attacked in the context of the war in Gaza.
Meanwhile, traffic continues – including drugs, endangered fauna and protected wood – and organized crime groups operate criminal supply chains to move weapons, agents and illicit products to finance their operations.
Sea people work in the machine room of a Chinese registered ship in the port of Genoa in Italy. (deposit)
A “network” under attack
The sea routes were “the first truly global network in the world”, Connecting the distant coasts for thousands of years, said Valdecy Urquiza, secretary general of the Interpol.
“Today, and more than ever, this same network is exploited by criminals that threaten navigation, trade, communication-and with them, world stability essential to sustainable development,” he told the Council.
He said that “poly-crime at sea” “makes criminals more resistant and more complex” as new and less visible dangers arise.
“As ports become digital – with automated ship management, freight monitoring and logistics – vulnerabilities emerge more quickly than they can be secure. The ports are faced with a cyber-intrudent targeting power, communication and logistics systems on which they count. »»
In addition, “cybercriminals can armed with artificial intelligence to attack with more speed, scale and precision.”
Global coordination, environmental action
In response to the situation, the OMI has developed binding compulsory requirements, for example to meet the international security of ships and ports as well as threats of cybersecurity.
The United Nations also supported projects to increase regional capacity, including sharing information. This is added to the creation of partnerships with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (Unodc), Interpol, regional entities and donor states, aimed at strengthening national capacities and strengthening confidence.
“By approaching maritime security, we must not lose sight of our responsibility to protect the ocean,” said Dominguez.
“” Maritime security and security and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Support for countries to develop and improve response capacities to maritime pollution incidents, including oil spills, is underway. »»
A ship goes through the Panama canal in Central America. (deposit)
Panama channel prospects
The Council also heard the agency responsible for the operation of the Panama Canal, one of the most important maritime corridors in the world.
Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, CEO of the authority of the Panama Canal, shared prospects for “one of the most emblematic channels of human cooperation”, highlighting the force of “neutrality based on principles”.
“” The Panama Canal is governed by an international treaty which guarantees equal access to all nations In peace or war time, “he said, speaking in Spanish.
“This promise, which is incorporated into our Constitution, has enabled a small country to contribute to the stability of world trade, protecting this infrastructure from geopolitical tensions which have also too often thwarted progress.”
Its remarks have also shown how the canal has been under the Panamanian administration for 25 years – a period which saw the completion of a third set of locks in 2016. Consequently, the volume of freight passing its waters increased by 50%, while maintaining the same annual transit of around 13,500.
Climate adaptation
Like the head of the OMI, Mr. Vásquez Morales also underlined the need to treat climate change. The Panama canal has experienced drought in the past two years and this “worldwakehold” has sparked water conservation efforts, logistical adjustments and the construction of an artificial lake.
“Today, the canal has technologies that strengthen climate resilience,” he said.
“It creates financial mechanisms and ensures the safety of water and the environment, while implementing effective governance to exploit the rapid progress of artificial intelligence and collaborate to strengthen cybersecurity on our roads and logistics systems.”
Commitment, peace and solidarity
By concluding his remarks, Mr. Vásquez Morales insisted that “the Panama canal is living proof that global public goods can be administered with equity, responsibilities and vision”.
“Thanks to sustained cooperation, a constant adaptation and a firm commitment to the principles of international law, the canal will remain a safe and effective route ready to serve not only this generation, but as many others to come,” he said.
“We hope that by working together, we will be able to stay open, not only of navigable waterways, but also canals of understanding peace and solidarity.”
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
