International Maritime Organization
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating international shipping. Its main task is to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping, including safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical cooperation, maritime security and the efficiency of shipping. Headquartered in London, the IMO has 176 Member States and three Associate Members, and is governed by an Assembly and a Council.
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Russian strike on cargo vessel off Odesa kills Ukrainian captain
Russian forces struck a civilian cargo vessel sailing under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda in the Black Sea off Odesa Oblast overnight on September 23, killing the ship's Ukrainian captain. The remaining crew was evacuated and the resulting fire was extinguished. The same night, Russian forces twice hit warehouses storing medicines, household goods and food in Odesa Oblast.
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Zelensky says Ukraine ready for Black Sea safe-passage deal, awaits Russia's response
Speaking at the sixth summit of the International Crimea Platform on 23 September, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine has agreed to a regime of safe passage for vessels in the Black Sea and is waiting for Russia's official reply through mediators. Egypt, India and Turkey have submitted written proposals, and Zelensky linked the disruption of Black Sea exports of grain, fertilizers, diesel and oil to Russia's 2014 occupation and militarization of Crimea.
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Russian drones damage civilian rescue tugboat Sapfir in Odesa Oblast port
Russian drones struck a port in Odesa Oblast on 13 September 2026, damaging the civilian search-and-rescue tugboat Sapfir. Ukraine's Ministry of Restoration, Infrastructure and Transport said no casualties were reported and called the strike a gross violation of international humanitarian and maritime law, announcing it would notify the International Maritime Organization and international partners.