With over 100,000 vessels moving 80% of world commerce daily, global shipping remains essential — but increasingly vulnerable to disruptions. The UN Security Council, under Panama’s presidency for August, examined urgent maritime security challenges and the need for global cooperation.
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), stressed that 1.9 million seafarers moved 12.3 billion tonnes of goods in 2024.
Security and Safety: Core Pillars of Economic Stability
Dominguez praised the maritime sector’s resilience in the face of geopolitical tensions but warned against complacency in safeguarding sea routes.
He underscored that maritime safety and security are fundamental to global economic stability, sustainable development, and protecting millions of livelihoods.
Multiple Threats at Sea: Piracy, Armed Attacks, and Smuggling
Nearly 150 incidents of piracy and armed robbery occurred in 2024, with Southeast Asia seeing a sharp increase in reported cases. Ships in the Red Sea have faced targeted attacks. These attacks are linked to the conflict in Gaza. This situation threatens vital global trade corridors.
Organized crime networks exploit maritime routes for trafficking drugs. They also traffic endangered wildlife and protected timber. These networks use maritime routes to move weapons and operatives. They smuggle illicit goods to fund operations.
Maritime Routes: A Global Network Under Criminal Pressure
Valdecy Urquiza, INTERPOL’s Secretary General, described maritime routes as the first true global network — now exploited by sophisticated criminal syndicates.
This “poly-criminality at sea” makes enforcement more complex, as criminals adapt quickly and exploit emerging vulnerabilities across multiple crime types.
Cybersecurity: A Growing Vulnerability for Ports and Shipping
Digital transformation of ports — including automated vessel management, cargo tracking, and logistics systems — has introduced significant cybersecurity challenges. Ports face waves of cyberattacks targeting communication, logistics, and power systems, potentially crippling trade and safety operations worldwide.
Urquiza warned that AI-powered cyberattacks could strike with unprecedented speed, precision, and scale, overwhelming traditional security measures.
Global Coordination and Capacity Building Efforts
In response, IMO has introduced binding requirements for ship and port security, including measures to address cyber risks effectively. The organization supports regional capacity-building, information-sharing projects, and partnerships with INTERPOL, UNODC, and regional security agencies to boost national capabilities.
Dominguez stressed that maritime security must go hand-in-hand with protecting oceans from pollution, including oil spill response readiness.
Panama Canal Perspective: Neutrality and Resilience
Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, CEO of the Panama Canal Authority, highlighted the canal’s treaty-based neutrality as vital for global trade stability. Under Panamanian administration for 25 years, the canal expanded with a third set of locks in 2016, boosting cargo capacity by 50%.
Despite higher volumes, the canal has maintained roughly 13,500 annual transits, showing operational efficiency while avoiding geopolitical disruption.
Climate Change: An Immediate Threat to Maritime Corridors
Vásquez Morales warned that climate change is a direct threat, citing a severe two-year drought that disrupted canal operations. The crisis spurred water conservation initiatives, logistical changes, and construction of an artificial lake to secure long-term water supply.
He detailed the canal’s investment in climate-resilient technologies, AI-driven governance, and stronger cybersecurity across shipping lanes and logistics systems.
Shared Responsibility for the Future of Global Trade
Vásquez Morales said the Panama Canal proves that global public goods can be managed with fairness, transparency, and long-term vision. Through cooperation, adaptation, and adherence to international law, the canal aims to remain safe, efficient, and open for generations ahead.
He concluded with a call for nations to keep both waterways — and channels of dialogue, peace, and solidarity — open.
