International Maritime Organization
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialised United Nations agency responsible for regulating international shipping. Its headquarters are in London. The organisation develops and implements global standards for maritime safety, the preservation of human life at sea, the protection of the marine environment, and the facilitation of international maritime trade.
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Black Sea becomes world's deadliest shipping route as attacks surge
More than 570 vessels were attacked in the Black Sea in 2026, killing at least 40 seafarers and making the route deadlier than the Persian Gulf. Attacks near Romania, surging insurance costs and shipowners' reluctance to sail have sharply disrupted commerce and Ukraine's port operations.