Industrial Insights
Industrial Insights
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 6th August 2026
Triton Security explores seven common misconceptions around fire safety that businesses should be challenging
Fire safety is one of those responsibilities that often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves – until something goes wrong, that is.
For many businesses, compliance has fallen into the trap of being a tick-box exercise that’s centred around annual inspections, manual training exercises, and having the right paperwork in place. And although these are still important, they also provide organisations with a false sense of security when it’s assumed that compliance alone is enough.
The reality is that fire safety is an ongoing process that’s never quite complete, as opposed to a one-off task. Teams grow, buildings change, operations adapt, and layouts evolve – and so do the risks alongside them.
However, many organisations continue to operate under outdated assumptions. This leaves them exposed to not only enforcement action, but to unnecessary risks for employees, customers, visitors and beyond.
Myth 1: “We’ve passed our fire risk assessment, so everything is ok!”
While important, a fire risk assessment is only a snapshot in time. All it shows is that risks that have been considered based on the building, its usage, and the people inside it at that point in time. However, workplaces are constantly changing - whether it’s day-to-day or over the course of a few weeks. That could be the introduction of new equipment, office refurbishments or redesigns, storage changes, or different ways of working altogether - all of which can alter the level of risk involved.
Rather than a one-and-done, your fire risk assessment should be viewed as a living document that gets reviewed regularly – not filed away until the next inspection.
Myth 2: “Fire safety sits with one person.”
While a single person or facilities manager is often awarded responsibility, truly effective fire safety relies on a collective approach. Employees will need to have a thorough understanding of evacuation procedures, visitors will need to follow all site protocols, managers will need to know how to properly respond if an incident occurs, and leadership will have the responsibility of ensuring that fire safety is always a priority.
Being fully prepared for fire-related emergencies cannot sit with one person alone.
Myth 3: “We have fire extinguishers so we’re fully prepared!”
Fire extinguishers are key, but only if they’re the appropriate kind, properly maintained, and people know when –and when not – to use them. If someone attempts to tackle a fire without the proper training, then it can put everyone within the building at risk.
Myth 4: “We’ve never had a fire, so our risk is low.”
Unfortunately, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future risk. Even the most serious fire incidents can occur in a building or organisation that has never experienced one in the past, making complacency a huge risk.
The most effective fire safety strategy is about being prepared for low-frequency and high-impact events – rather than assuming that it’ll never happen to you.
Myth 5: “Fire safety is all about compliance.”
Does compliance matter? Absolutely. But hitting the minimum legal requirements is the bare minimum; organisations need to aim higher. Having strong fire safety in place not only protects people and property, but also supports business continuity, safeguards reputation, and reduces disruption should – despite all efforts – an incident occur.
When seen in this way – as opposed to a box-ticking exercise – fire safety becomes an investment in resilience, rather than a regulatory obligation.
Myth 6: “Evacuation plans only matter in an emergency.”
Whether or not your evacuation plan will be successful and effective is determined long before the fire alarm sounds. Holding regular drills, ensuring clear communication, having updated procedures, and a complete understanding of how the most vulnerable in your building will be supported are all factors that contribute to a response that’s calm and effective.
Myth 7: “Fire safety doesn't need reviewing unless regulations change."
If legislation hasn’t changed, then neither have your risks – right? Wrong.
One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is assuming that their operations aren’t constantly changing, because they are. Hybrid and flexible working, new tech, rising and falling occupancy levels, and building modifications can all have subtle yet significant implications when it comes to fire safety planning.
Holding regular reviews of the systems you have in place can ensure that your safety measures remain practical, proportionate, and highly effective.
Organisations that have the strongest fire safety cultures are rarely those that get by doing the bare minimum; but rather the ones who see fire safety as a wider commitment that involves protecting people and property, maintaining operational resilience, and building confidence across the board.
At the end of the day, good fire safety isn't about passing inspections; it’s about making sure that – should the unexpected happen – everyone knows what to do, how to respond, and the systems work as they should.
Fire safety should never be viewed as a standalone compliance access, but rather a key part of responsible business management.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 15th July 2026
- Year: 2026
IOSH, the chartered body for health and safety professionals, has called for safer and healthier working environments through a written statement published at the United Nations Economic and Social Council’s High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York
In the statement, IOSH warns that growing evidence suggests the world is not on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, underlining the need for stronger cooperation and greater recognition of the role of OSH in promoting sustainable development. IOSH said achieving the SDGs by 2030 will not be possible without safe, healthy and decent work, and pledged to continue working with governments, UN agencies and partners to make that happen.
IOSH argues that good workplace safety and health practices contribute directly and indirectly to at least 51 SDG targets, outlining how occupational safety and health (OSH) contributes to several goals under review at HLPF 2026.
The statement added that preventing work-related injury, ill health, including psychosocial harm, and fatalities creates conditions in which people can thrive, supporting productivity, organisational performance and long-term economic growth.
10 principles of good OSH
IOSH also highlighted its ‘10 principles of good OSH’, which promote safe and healthy working environments as a fundamental principle and right at work.
Those principles are as follows:
1. Prevention: injury and ill-health at work are preventable
2. Worker rights: workers' safety and health are embedded in rights frameworks and are vital components of sustainable development
3. Accountability: accountability and enforcement create a deterrent against poor safety, health and wellbeing practices at work and help to build sustainable practices
4. Commitment: good occupational safety, health and wellbeing is built upon a combination of leadership, commitment and policy
5. Collaboration: collaborative approaches involving all appropriate stakeholders, including workers and representatives, create more resilient and comprehensive safety, health and wellbeing systems
6. Evidence-driven risk mitigation: risk-led and evidence-driven approaches facilitate proactive, proportionate responses to existing and future occupational safety and health issues
7. Knowledge provision: free and open exchange of trustworthy information creates shared knowledge and understanding of occupational safety, health and wellbeing
8. Learning and improvement: timely, accurate and relevant data can be used to inform action, support learning and make improvements to safety, health and wellbeing
9. Rehabilitation: compensatory, protective and rehabilitative systems protect workers after injury or ill health and support their sustainable return
10. Ethical values: recognising the diversity of occupational safety and health needs and respecting difference ensures more equitable systems that protect all workers
IOSH called on governments and international institutions to place workplace safety at the centre of sustainable development and urged countries to ratify key International Labour Organization conventions, particularly Convention 155 on Occupational Safety and Health and Convention 187 on the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Training
- Date: 2nd July 2026
- Year: 2026
A new global study has found that the maritime workforce is not keeping pace with the rapid adoption of digital technologies, with implications for safety, efficiency and sustainability
The report, “Digital skills in maritime education and training: A global deep dive into people, skills, and readiness for change”, was written by the World Maritime University (WMU) and commissioned by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, based on a survey of 532 seafarers across 64 countries and interviews with 110 stakeholders. The report finds that digital tools - from automated navigation to data driven decision making - are transforming operations, but training and certification frameworks are not keeping up.
More than 80% of seafarers report receiving little or no digital skills training, despite strong appetite to learn. Two thirds say they are willing to upskill, but a lack of shared understanding of what “digital skills” means is holding back progress. Seafarers report a lack of confidence about working with automation and data intensive tools. Just 13% say shore based training consistently matches the systems they encounter onboard. Maritime education providers are responding, but face barriers including limited funding, a shortage of digitally skilled instructors and slow moving regulation.
The report also warns that digital transformation could deepen global inequalities, as access to training depends on resources and investment. It reflects findings from the Global Maritime Trends Digital Transition Barometer that workforce skills, training and readiness for change remains one of the weakest areas of the transition, highlighting the risk that technology is advancing faster than the people needed to use it safely and effectively.
Co-ordinated action
The report calls for coordinated action across the sector, including faster updates to global training standards, more investment in education and stronger collaboration between industry, regulators and training providers.
Dr Jan Przydatek, director of Technologies at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said, “Digitalisation is changing how people work and how risks are managed. If we don’t invest in people alongside technology, we risk creating new safety challenges rather than solving existing ones. This research shows that gaps in digital skills have real implications for safety. Closing them means making sure seafarers have the confidence and capability to operate in an increasingly digital environment.”
Mark Warner, Global Client marketing director at Lloyd’s Register, commented, “Technology adoption is moving faster than training standards, instructor capability and certification frameworks. In many cases, innovation is outpacing preparedness. Technology only improves safety when people understand how systems work, trust their outputs, and know when not to rely on them. As digital tools become part of everyday operations, human judgement and confidence remain essential.”
Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., president of the World Maritime University, said, “Maritime digitalisation is no longer a future possibility - it is already shaping how ships are designed, operated and regulated. The question is whether the workforce is ready. Achieving the benefits of this transition depends on people having the skills and confidence to use digital tools effectively.”
The report calls for coordinated action across the sector, including faster updates to global training standards, greater investment in education, and stronger collaboration between industry, regulators and training providers.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 30th June 2026
- Year: 2026
In high-risk industrial environments, safety depends on visibility. Knowing where workers are, understanding the conditions they are operating in, and responding quickly when something goes wrong are fundamental to protecting people and maintaining operational integrity
Today, connected technologies are transforming how organisations achieve this visibility. Gas detectors, wearable devices and monitoring platforms can provide real-time insights into worker safety, enabling faster decision-making and more proactive risk management.
As connected safety becomes more widely adopted, organisations are increasingly considering how these systems fit within their existing operations. Connected safety solutions can be broadly understood through two approaches: outsourced monitoring services and integrated safety ecosystems.
Two approaches to connected safety
Connected safety solutions typically follow one of two approaches.
The first relies on outsourced monitoring services. In this model, alerts and worker status updates are routed to an external monitoring centre that operates around the clock. When an incident occurs, third-party agents review the alert and escalate the issue if necessary.
The second approach centres on integrated safety ecosystems. Here, connected devices feed data directly into a unified platform used by the organisation’s own safety team. Alerts, reporting and insights remain within the company’s operational structure, supporting alignment with existing processes.
Both approaches aim to improve worker protection, but they are suited to different operational needs. For example, outsourced monitoring can support organisations without dedicated in-house safety teams to manage alerts at all hours or, equally, those with in-house teams working standard business hours. While integrated approaches enable organisations that have round-the-clock safety teams to handle alerts internally within their existing workflows.
Why integration and access matter
Safety teams not only respond to incidents, but also work to understand why they occur and how they can be prevented. This understanding can improve significantly with access to accurate, comprehensive data and the ability to analyse it within the context of daily operations, regardless of how alerts are managed.
It is important to consider where safety data is stored, how it is accessed, and who should act on it. Different models support different organisational needs. For example, outsourced monitoring can provide reassurance for smaller teams, while integrated approaches may suit larger organisations that can manage safety processes in-house at all hours.
An integrated approach enables safety teams to maintain direct access to the information that matters most. By connecting detection devices with safety management platforms, organisations can help keep alerts, worker data and operational insights are readily available within their existing workflows.
Each approach offers different advantages depending on how safety is managed within the organisation. Where integrated systems are in place, safety teams can access and use data within their existing workflows, supporting a more proactive approach to safety management. This enables organisations to analyse patterns in exposure, identify emerging risks and refine safety procedures before problems escalate.
From monitoring to safety leadership
As industrial environments become more complex, the role of safety leaders is evolving. Today’s safety teams are expected not only to respond to alarms but also to shape strategies that prevent incidents altogether.
Systems that provide a complete view of safety performance across sites and operations can help safety leaders achieve these goals. Detection technologies, monitoring platforms and reporting tools can work together to create a single source of truth that supports faster, better-informed decisions.
For this reason, many organisations are moving towards integrated safety ecosystems rather than relying solely on standalone devices or external monitoring services.
When detection technologies are designed to work within a broader safety platform, they become part of a connected system that supports both immediate protection and long-term safety improvement.
Supporting the next generation of gas detection
For industries operating in high-risk environments, such as entering confined spaces, gas detection remains a key component of this ecosystem. Workers need reliable instruments capable of identifying hazards while also feeding data into the wider safety strategy.
Modern gas detection technologies are increasingly designed with this integration in mind. By connecting detection devices with safety management platforms, organisations can gain real-time visibility into worker status and environmental conditions while also capturing valuable data for reporting and continuous improvement.
Solutions such as the ALTAIR io™ 6 Multigas Detector from MSA Safety are designed to support this ecosystem-led approach. By combining advanced multi-gas detection with seamless integration into connected safety platforms, organisations can enhance worker protection while maintaining control of their data and supporting compliance within existing safety processes.
Looking ahead
Connected safety is not simply about adding new technology to the workplace. It is about building systems that give organisations the insight and flexibility needed to protect workers effectively.
As connected technologies continue to evolve, organisations will gain the greatest value from solutions that integrate easily into their operations, support streamlined compliance processes and accountability, and provide clear, actionable insights to the teams who help keep people safe.
To explore how integrated gas detection can support a connected safety ecosystem, discover more about the ALTAIR io 6 Multigas Detector and the wider connected safety solutions from MSA.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Industrial
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 26th June 2026
- Year: 2026
Oil Review Middle East, in association with Flyability is hosting a webinar on “NDT drones for the oil and gas industry: from innovation to implementation" on Tuesday 14 July at 2pm GST
The oil and gas industry continues to face increasing pressure to improve safety, reduce operational downtime and enhance inspection efficiency. Increasingly, operators are deploying drone technology to improve inspection quality, enhance safety and drive greater operational efficiency across oil and gas assets, discovering new ways to conduct inspections in hazardous and confined spaces such as flare stacks, storage tanks, boilers and pipe racks, while minimising risks to personnel. Flyability estimates that the use of NDT drones can cut inspection time by up to 80% and save US$15,000 on tank inspections by avoiding scaffolding and rope access. Detailed visual, UT and LiDAR data can be gathered from inaccesible areas with precise data localisation, eliminating the need for personnel to enter hazardous environments.
Learn from the experts
This practical session will explore how drone technology is being used to perform remote NDT inspections, collect critical asset data and create digital twins that support more effective asset integrity management. Through real-world case studies and industry experience, attendees will gain valuable insights into implementing drone solutions within their own operations. Experts from Saudi Aramco, Flyability, and Sagerdrone will share their insights on different aspects of drone deployment, and how they are transforming operations.
Register here
Key highlights
• Visual inspections: Learn how drone technology is improving access to difficult and hazardous inspection environments
• Remote NDT applications: Explore the use of UT spot measurements and other remote inspection capabilities
• Digital twins: Understand how digital asset models are supporting integrity monitoring and maintenance planning
• Industry success stories: Hear practical examples from asset owners and service providers successfully utilising drone technology
• Implementation strategies: Gain insights into integrating drone-based inspections into existing operational workflows.
Whether you're responsible for asset integrity, inspection, maintenance, reliability, engineering, operations, or HSE, this session will provide practical guidance on how leading operators are transforming inspection workflows while improving safety, reducing downtime and cutting operational costs.
Don’t miss this opportunity to take away exclusive insights from the leading lights of the drone technology world!
Register here
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Security
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 17th June 2026
- Year: 2026
Intersec Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s leading platform for security, safety, and fire protection, is ensuring that its flagship conferences are aligned with national priorities with the appointment of advisory committees bringing together the region’s experts to provide input into their agendas
Taking place during Intersec Saudi Arabia 2026 from 16–18 November at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC), the
- Details
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Region: Europe
- Date: 8th June 2026
- Year: 2026
Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection is actively responding to updated International Maritime Organization recommendations to enhance 'enclosed-space' safety protocols aboard ships worldwide.
Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, a division of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, is stepping up to help maritime operators strengthen their atmospheric monitoring and address evolving safety expectations for entering enclosed spaces. At the core of these changes is the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution MSC.581(110). This resolution broadens the recommended gas testing protocols to explicitly include carbon dioxide alongside other key atmospheric hazards.
There is a growing demand across the maritime sector for these updated solutions, reflecting an increased focus on safety readiness and compliance. This surge in interest has already contributed to multiple related awards for the company year-to-date.
"The IMO’s revised recommendations represent an important advancement for maritime safety," said Thibault Fourlegnie, vice president and general manager of Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection. "We provide practical gas detection solutions that help customers improve enclosed-space safety and meet evolving compliance expectations."
The company's marine-approved gas detection solutions are manufactured at its facility in Renfrew, Scotland. These systems draw upon more than 75 years of engineering and manufacturing expertise in industrial safety technologies. To keep pace with growing global demand, investment at the Scottish plant is ongoing.
Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection aims to equip ship operators, partners, and stakeholders with technologies that protect personnel, strengthen compliance, and promote safer working practices across the industry.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 29th May 2026
- Year: 2026
A new white paper from the Global Initiative for Industrial Safety (GIFIS) has introduced a practical framework aimed at helping industrial companies assess the effectiveness of emerging safety technologies and improve workplace risk management.
Developed by GIFIS in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register Foundation, United Nations Industrial Development Organization and University of Cambridge, the paper highlights how rising workplace fatalities and injuries continue to create a significant global burden while industries face increasing pressure to modernise safety practices.
According to the report, work-related deaths increased from around 2.8 million in 2015 to 2.9 million in 2019, accounting for 6.7% of all global deaths among the working-age population. In addition, around 395 million workers suffer occupational injuries annually, with poor occupational safety and health conditions estimated to cost more than US$3.2tn each year, equivalent to 4.1% of global GDP.
The white paper argues that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, wearable devices, drones, predictive analytics and digital twins are reshaping industrial safety by enabling organisations to move from reactive to anticipatory risk management.
It also notes that adoption of these technologies remains relatively limited due to challenges including high implementation costs, integration difficulties, skills shortages, worker privacy concerns and uncertainty over measurable safety outcomes.
To address these barriers, the report introduces a “4Ps” framework that categorises safety technologies into prevention, precaution, prediction and protection. The framework links technologies to their ability to reduce hazards, lower the likelihood of incidents and minimise the severity of injuries.
The paper also includes a case study examining more than 19,000 patented fall-protection technologies developed between 2004 and 2024. Findings show a growing shift away from traditional mechanical safety systems towards digitally enabled monitoring devices and predictive safety tools.
GIFIS said the framework is designed to help industrial users compare safety technologies more systematically while supporting stronger return on investment analysis by factoring in implementation effort, operational feasibility and long-term safety benefits.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Industrial
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 28th May 2026
- Year: 2026
A new report from the International Labour Organization has warned that the ongoing Middle East crisis could place increasing pressure on global labour markets, with rising energy prices, disrupted supply chains and weaker tourism activity expected to affect jobs and incomes worldwide.
According to the organisation, the impact of the conflict is likely to extend well beyond the region, influencing employment conditions through higher transport costs, reduced trade flows and uncertainty across key industries. The report noted that the consequences may continue to unfold over an extended period, particularly as the global economy remains vulnerable to slow growth and existing labour market challenges.
The ILO outlined a scenario in which oil prices rise by around 50% above their average levels recorded earlier in 2026. Under those conditions, global working hours could decline by 0.5% this year and 1.1% in 2027. The organisation said this would be equivalent to the loss of approximately 14 million full-time jobs in 2026 and 38 million in the following year.
Real labour income could also come under significant pressure, with projected declines of 1.1% in 2026 and 3% in 2027. Global unemployment is expected to increase more gradually, although the report highlighted that the impact would vary considerably between regions and sectors.
The Arab States and Asia-Pacific region were identified as particularly exposed because of their reliance on Gulf energy markets, regional trade routes and labour migration flows. In the Arab region, industries such as construction, transport, manufacturing and hospitality are considered especially vulnerable, with migrant workers likely to face disproportionate risks.
In Asia-Pacific economies, dependence on imported energy and remittance flows from Gulf countries is also creating growing concerns. The report noted that labour deployments to Gulf Cooperation Council countries have already slowed in several labour-exporting nations, while some countries are seeing early signs of weaker remittance inflows.
Sangheon Lee, Chief Economist at the ILO, said the crisis should not be viewed as a temporary disruption. He explained that external economic shocks often reach workers and businesses gradually, weakening employment conditions and putting pressure on decent work standards over time.
The organisation urged governments to introduce employment-focused policy measures to protect vulnerable workers, small businesses and migrant labour communities. It also called for stronger social dialogue and coordinated responses aimed at safeguarding incomes, working conditions and economic stability as the crisis evolves.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 27th May 2026
- Year: 2026
NAFFCO Group has signed a strategic agreement with the Department of Civil Aviation and Fujairah International Airport to strengthen aviation safety and emergency response capabilities in the emirate.
The memorandum of understanding was announced during International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience 2026 and focuses on enhancing airport preparedness through specialised firefighting infrastructure and advanced training programmes.
Under the partnership, the organisations will collaborate on the deployment of airport emergency response assets and the establishment of a firefighting training centre designed to improve operational readiness and response efficiency. The initiative also aims to align airport safety procedures with international aviation standards.
The agreement was signed by Khalid Al Khatib, Ali Khalid Al Khatib, Esmaeil M. Al Boloushi and Ebraheem Al Qallaf.
As part of the collaboration, aviation firefighting personnel will also receive specialist instruction through the NAFFCO Training Academy, supporting the development of advanced emergency response skills for airport operations.
Ali Khalid Al Khatib said the agreement reflects the company’s ongoing focus on delivering modern firefighting technologies and integrated safety solutions tailored to the aviation sector.
Officials added that the partnership supports wider efforts to improve aviation resilience, strengthen emergency preparedness and reinforce the UAE’s position as a leader in airport safety and operational excellence.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Security
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 26th May 2026
- Year: 2026
International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience 2026 concluded in Abu Dhabi after attracting record participation and highlighting the growing role of advanced technologies in global security and resilience.
Held under the patronage of Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the three-day event brought together government officials, security experts and technology companies from around the world under the theme “Securing Tomorrow Today”.
Organised by ADNEC Group in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and Abu Dhabi Police, the exhibition welcomed more than 37,000 visitors, representing a sharp increase compared with the previous edition.
Exhibitor participation also expanded significantly, with more than 250 companies showcasing solutions across cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, resilience, digital policing and emergency response technologies. Organisers noted strong representation from both local and international firms, alongside growing participation from small and medium-sized enterprises.
Ahmed Naser Al Raisi said the exhibition demonstrated the UAE’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in security and resilience while promoting innovation-driven solutions to emerging challenges.
The event introduced several new initiatives, including the inaugural Abu Dhabi Global Summit for Sustainable Security, which explored institutional resilience, preparedness and the future of security systems. The summit featured panel discussions, workshops and roundtable sessions involving experts from multiple countries.
Artificial intelligence also featured prominently during the event through the AI Security Forum, where participants discussed the growing role of AI-powered systems in protecting infrastructure, transport networks, smart cities and energy assets.
Cybersecurity was another major focus area, with the Code Breaker Hackathon offering participants hands-on experience in tackling simulated cyber threats and digital attack scenarios.
The final day of the exhibition included discussions on family digital safety and community security, with speakers stressing the importance of cyber awareness, responsible technology use and stronger cooperation between families and authorities to address online threats.
Organisers confirmed that the 10th edition of ISNR will take place in April 2028.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Security
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 25th May 2026
- Year: 2026
The United Arab Emirates has welcomed a new resolution adopted by the International Maritime Organization during the 111th session of its Maritime Safety Committee, addressing concerns over navigational safety in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
The resolution, proposed by the UAE and backed by several member states, highlighted growing concerns over the use of drones, missiles and sea mines in the region and the risks posed to commercial shipping and seafarers. Member states expressed alarm over the impact on maritime operations, with reports indicating fatalities among crew members and thousands of seafarers stranded due to regional tensions.
The agreement reaffirmed the importance of protecting freedom of navigation for merchant vessels operating in the Arabian Sea and Sea of Oman, while supporting the continued use of internationally recognised maritime transit routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
The resolution also called on countries to work together to safeguard shipping operations and support the safe movement of commercial vessels through the strategic waterway. In addition, member states were encouraged to assist efforts led by the IMO Secretary-General to facilitate the evacuation of ships unable to leave the Gulf region safely.
The UAE, alongside Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, also rejected proposals linked to an alternative shipping route and a newly announced maritime authority related to the Strait of Hormuz, stating that such measures conflict with international law and established maritime governance frameworks.
Suhail Mohammed Al Mazrouei said the adoption of the resolution reflected international concern over maritime security and the wellbeing of seafarers affected by disruptions in the region.
He added that ensuring the safety of thousands of stranded seafarers remains a priority, while calling for continued international cooperation to maintain safe navigation and support humanitarian needs for vessels operating in the Gulf.