Source: United States Navy
The theme of the industry-focused biannual conference was “The Evolution of International Maritime Security Construct.” The event involved distinguished speakers and panelists who addressed a range of topics including safety measures, best practices, communication and strengthening collaboration.
“IMSC has been on watch to assure freedom of navigation and safeguard the free flow of international merchant shipping,” said Commodore Don Mackinnon, commander of IMSC and Coalition Task Force Sentinel. “This stakeholders conference was an ideal forum for all of our partners, both international and commercial, to share their ideas, information, assessments and best practices to help us further refine and develop the mission.
IMSC was formed in July 2019 in response to increased threats to freedom of navigation for merchant mariners transiting international waters in the Middle East. Coalition Task Force Sentinel was established four months later to deter state-sponsored malign activity and reassure the merchant shipping industry in the Bab al-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz.
This coalition is comprised of nine member nations: the Republic of Albania, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Lithuania, Romania, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.