The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council has endorsed Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez for a second four-year term, from January 1, 2028, to December 31, 2031. The decision was announced on November 4, 2026, during the Council's 138th session in London. The extension remains subject to formal approval by the IMO Assembly when it meets in late 2027.

Dominguez, a Panamanian maritime official, became the IMO's tenth Secretary-General on January 1, 2024. Following the Council's decision, he expressed appreciation for the continued trust and support of member states and reaffirmed his commitment to global shipping and seafarers. His leadership comes as the organization addresses maritime security concerns, environmental regulations, and the protection of commercial vessels operating in conflict-affected waters.

The decision follows continuing disagreements among IMO member states over the proposed Net-Zero Framework, which seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping through global fuel standards and an emissions-pricing mechanism. Although the framework received initial approval in April 2025, its formal adoption was postponed in October 2025. Further discussions are scheduled during the Marine Environment Protection Committee\'s 85th session from November 30 to December 3, 2026, with a possible extraordinary session on December 4.

Meanwhile, maritime security remains a major concern as merchant vessels and seafarers face threats in the Middle East and other conflict-affected regions. According to IMO records updated on November 3, 2026, authorities had confirmed 128 maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and wider Middle East, including 24 seafarer fatalities. Dominguez has repeatedly called for the protection of civilian shipping and safe navigation amid continuing regional conflicts.