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IMO Extraordinary Summit: Urgent creation of a safe sea corridor in the Black Sea and Azov

The two-day work of the Extraordinary Session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), convened at the request of Greece and 14 member states of the IMO Council, was completed today. sailors.

The IMO Council decided:

Encourage the establishment, as an urgent temporary measure, of a safe sea corridor, which will allow the safe evacuation of seafarers and ships stranded in Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea and Azov Sea as a result of hostilities. This proposal was submitted by Greece. For the implementation of the corridor, the Council called on the Secretary-General of the IMO to work with all the states and bodies involved, to take the necessary steps to start the creation of the safe sea corridor and to inform the Member States of developments.

– Issue a strong Statement on the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on seafarers, merchant shipping and the marine environment in the Black Sea and the Sea of ​​Azov. This proposal was also submitted by our country.

In particular, the Declaration states the following:

– Condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine and highlights the serious impact of hostilities on the security of the navy, ships and the marine environment in the Black Sea and Azov Seas,

– Highlights the need to maintain the smooth operation of maritime activity,

– Invites all Member States of the Organization to assist the stranded seafarers and ships, as well as the competent Bodies of the Organization, to consider any issues which may arise and to report to the Council on proposed measures to address them.

In addition, the Council welcomed the proposals of international shipowners and seafarers, which aim to facilitate seafarers, such as their removal from the area and, if that is not possible, to ensure their safe stay, a realistic approach to the management of certificates securing the payment of wages to trapped sailors and recognizing them as essential workers.

The Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Giannis Plakiotakis, expressed his satisfaction with the results of the extraordinary meeting of the IMO Council, emphasizing that the first and main concern of Greece is the safe and unhindered release of the Greek sailors, as well as the Greek ships in the area.

Source: Capital

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