IMO Secretary-General Challenges Greek Shipowners on Seafarer Investment

## IMO Chief Puts Seafarer Investment Under the Spotlight International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has challenged Greek shipowners to demonstrate how they intend to invest in the welfare and development of seafarers, according to Seatrade Maritime. Dominguez, who has consistently placed seafarer issues at the top of the IMO's agenda since taking office, directed the question at one of the world's most influential shipowning communities. Greece remains the largest shipowning nation by fleet capacity, making the stance of its owners a significant bellwether for industry-wide standards on crew welfare. The Secretary-General also pointed to the current security crisis in the Strait of Hormuz as a moment that should prompt shipowners and the broader industry to listen more carefully to the concerns of seafarers. Crew members operating in and around the strait have faced heightened risks in recent years amid regional geopolitical tensions, with incidents involving vessel seizures and harassment raising serious safety concerns for those at sea. 'The current situation in Hormuz is a chance to listen,' Dominguez was reported as saying, underscoring his view that crises should serve as catalysts for meaningful engagement with seafarers rather than moments when their voices are marginalised. The challenge to Greek shipowners carries particular weight given the sector's global footprint. Greek-controlled fleets account for a substantial share of world shipping capacity, and decisions made by owners headquartered in Athens and Piraeus have outsized influence on industry norms, from employment conditions to training investment. The IMO has been pushing for stronger commitments from the industry on seafarer mental health, fair treatment, access to shore leave, and career development pathways — issues that gained renewed urgency during the COVID-19 pandemic, when hundreds of thousands of crew members were stranded at sea beyond their contract periods. Dominguez's public questioning of Greek shipowners signals that the IMO intends to hold major industry stakeholders accountable for translating stated commitments to seafarer welfare into tangible action. The maritime industry will be watching closely to see how Greek shipowning associations and individual companies respond to the challenge.