Saudi Arabia reaffirms support for maritime safety, seafarer protection

Saudi Arabia reaffirms support for maritime safety, seafarer protection
26 Mar 2026 https://www.arabnews.jp/en/saudi-arabia/article_166766/

RIYADH: At the 50th session of the Facilitation Committee of the International Maritime Organization, Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of protecting seafarers and reaffirmed its commitment to international efforts aimed at strengthening maritime safety.

This comes amid escalating threats to maritime navigation safety and the well-being of seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding region, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The Kingdom reaffirmed its support for proposals aimed at strengthening navigation safety and protecting seafarers, and urged their adoption.

It also expressed its support for an international declaration condemning attacks that violate international law and threaten the security of maritime transport and global trade.

The Kingdom also voiced concern about the security and economic impact of these developments on global supply chains, reaffirming its commitment to international resolutions on seafarer protection and to enhanced coordination among global partners.

Based on its strategic location and pivotal role, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its support for the continuity of maritime operations by leveraging logistics corridors through its Red Sea ports and integrating them with all modes of transport.

Through an initiative by the Saudi Ports Authority, the Kingdom enhanced support for affected vessels by supplying fuel, provisions, and facilitating crew changes, as several ships in the Gulf region have benefited from these services over the past 72 hours.

The Transport General Authority also introduced a 30-day, renewable waiver for key shipping and licensing requirements for vessels operating in the Arabian Gulf, ensuring maritime operations continue safely and without compromising the marine environment.

The Kingdom affirmed its ongoing collaboration with international partners to enhance maritime security, safeguard seafarers, and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global trade.