The Legal Committee (LEG) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) convened for its 112th session from 24 to 28 March 2025 at the IMO Headquarters in London.
The recent session of the IMO Legal Committee saw significant discussions and developments across a range of maritime issues impacting shipping and particularly seafarers, as informed by BIMCO.
Guidelines for Fair Treatment of Detained Seafarers Adopted
A key development from the committee’s recent session was the adoption of the finalised guidelines, following the recommendations of the Joint ILO-IMO Tripartite Working Group (JTWG).
These guidelines, developed during the JTWG’s third meeting in November 2024, aim to address the growing number of seafarers detained in such cases and improve coordination between flag states, port states, seafarers’ home states and shipowners to ensure fair treatment.
Furthermore, the guidelines emphasise the need for clear principles that can be adapted to various national systems, aiming to prevent the criminalisation of seafarers before thorough investigations.
Financial Security in Case of Abandonment of Seafarers
The IMO Legal Committee expressed significant concerns over the alarming rise in seafarer abandonment cases, with 310 new incidents recorded in 2024 alone, surpassing previous years. Of these, 144 lacked mandatory financial guarantees for repatriation, leaving 3,133 seafarers stranded across 282 vessels. This surge in cases highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), particularly its financial security provisions.
The Committee acknowledged the efforts of the ILO, IMO, and ITF but stressed the importance of improving compliance with the MLC and the accuracy of reporting in the IMO/ILO joint database, which is an essential tool for resolving abandonment cases.
Delegates also recommended enhanced coordination among stakeholders, the establishment of national contact points to aid repatriation and the need for concentrated inspections on financial security.
Member states were urged to ratify and implement international instruments, with additional campaigns to raise seafarers’ awareness of their financial security in case of abandonment. The Committee also highlighted the importance of updating the IMO/ILO joint database to improve coordination and the timeliness of responses.
Considerations on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)
The IMO Legal Committee continued to discuss key legal considerations for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) at this session. Delegates examined legal issues such as UNCLOS compliance, search and rescue obligations, jurisdiction over remote operations centres, workforce impacts, regulatory standardisation and liability frameworks. The Committee approved the MASS-JWG 3 report, aligned its roadmap with MSC 109’s timeline for the MASS Code, and extended the target completion year to 2027, deferring guidelines development for now.
Legal Committee Explores Liability for Alternative Fuels
The Legal Committee has reviewed a proposal from a member state to explore the suitability of IMO liability and compensation regimes for alternative fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol.
As the adoption of these fuels grows, there is an increasing need to assess whether existing legal frameworks can effectively address the risks posed by these fuels. Delegates highlighted that such an assessment is crucial to build confidence in alternative fuels, which are vital for IMO’s decarbonisation goals.
The proposal received strong support, with members agreeing to include it in the 2026-2027 agenda. The Committee will conduct a gap analysis to determine whether new legal instruments are necessary or if amendments to existing frameworks are sufficient, with a target completion year of 2027.
Combatting Fraudulent Ship Registrations
The Committee discussed measures to prevent fraudulent ship registrations and registries, building on prior reports and the work of a Correspondence Group. The UK coordinated efforts on developing guidelines for ship registration that focus on safety, security and environmental protection. The Committee aims to adopt a holistic approach to address fraudulent practices and enhance data sharing.
It was agreed to add a new output to the 2026-2027 biennial agenda, focusing on developing guidelines or best practices for ship registration, with a target completion year of 2027.
Impact on Shipping and Seafarers of the Situation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov
The Committee discussed the impact of the ongoing conflict on shipping in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, highlighting severe disruptions to marine safety, the environment, and the well-being of seafarers. Member states expressed concerns about the threat to navigation, marine infrastructure, and global supply chains.
The Secretary General reported progress on a resolution supporting technical assistance for safety and environmental protection in the region. States reaffirmed their commitment to maritime safety while some raised concerns about the political nature of the discussions. The Committee aims to continue addressing the challenges faced by the maritime sector.
New Working Group Established to Conduct a Regulatory Scoping Exercise
The Legal Committee has proposed a regulatory scoping exercise to address the issue of illegal operations in the maritime sector by the “shadow fleet.” The proposal aims to review IMO conventions and identify potential loopholes, while developing actions to prevent fraudulent registrations and unlawful operations including substandard vessels.
The Committee also considered updates on fraudulent ship registrations, including a review of the GISIS data system to ensure accuracy and facilitate corrections by ship registration authorities.
Work Concluded on Liability and Compensation Guidance
The IMO Legal Committee reviewed the work of the Correspondence Group on guidance for accepting insurance certificates and financial security providers under the Athens Convention Relating to the Carriage of Passengers and Their Luggage by Sea, 2002. Noting the convention’s unique complexities and the limited availability of war risk insurers, the Committee agreed that additional guidance was not needed at this point.
Discussions on Expanding the Scope of Maritime Security Threats
A member state’s proposal to address a wider spectrum of maritime security threats, including terrorism, cyberattacks, and transnational crimes, was considered by the Legal Committee. Some discussions focused on clarifying the scope and the role of other IMO bodies such as the MSC.
The committee has agreed to include the proposal in its post-biennial agenda, aiming for completion by 2027, and will invite additional proposals for further consideration.
Advancing the Entry into Force of the 2010 HNS Protocol
The IMO Legal Committee reviewed progress on the 2010 HNS Protocol, highlighting efforts to increase ratifications and facilitate its entry into force. The protocol, which addresses compensation for damage caused by hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) transported by ships, is nearing its required ratification threshold. Currently, eight contracting states have signed the Protocol, with just four more needed to meet the entry-into-force requirements.
