Sierra Leone Ports Authority Advocates for Seafarer Protection at IMO Council Meeting

A delegation from the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority, led by Director General Yankuba Askia Bio, attended the 138th Session of the International Maritime Organization Council in London from November 2nd to 6th, 2026. The five-day meeting brought together representatives from IMO Member States and stakeholders to discuss key issues affecting international shipping. Maritime security and seafarers' welfare were significant points of discussion, with delegates raising concerns about threats faced by seafarers and commercial vessels in areas with geopolitical tensions.

The IMO Council meeting addressed the protection of seafarers, particularly those in conflict-affected maritime zones. Yankuba Askia Bio stressed the need for a collective international effort to protect seafarers, insisting that innocent maritime workers should not suffer due to conflicts beyond their control. He highlighted the importance of safeguarding their dignity and rights and urged stronger international cooperation to ensure their protection and facilitate global trade.

The Council reaffirmed the need to keep shipping lanes open and secure while asserting that all seafarers deserve protection, regardless of their nationality. Member States were urged to avoid actions that could further jeopardize seafarers and international shipping. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez underscored the human costs of ongoing conflicts, citing incidents such as the recent attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

The attack on the commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz resulted in the death of a seafarer, bringing the total confirmed casualties linked to the conflict to 25. At least 130 attacks on commercial vessels have been reported in that region. The Council examined wider institutional matters to enhance IMO operations and the maritime sector.

SLPHA's participation in this high-level international forum demonstrates its commitment to engaging with global maritime governance and keeping abreast of developments that impact the safety, security, and sustainability of the shipping industry. The meeting concluded with renewed calls for international collaboration to protect seafarers amidst increasing global security challenges.

The IMO Council meeting discussed key issues affecting international shipping, including maritime security and seafarers' welfare. Delegates raised concerns about the threats faced by seafarers and commercial vessels in areas with geopolitical tensions. The Council urged Member States to prioritize seafarer protection and facilitate global trade.

The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority's participation in the IMO Council meeting highlights its commitment to global maritime governance and the safety, security, and sustainability of the shipping industry. The meeting's outcome emphasizes the need for collective action to protect seafarers in conflict zones.

Key points

• SLPHA DG Yankuba Askia Bio advocates for collective international effort to protect seafarers in conflict zones.