The Asian Shipowners’ Association held its 35th Annual General Meeting  in the Cook Islands on 26 May 2026. The meeting was hosted by the Cook Islands Ship Owners Association  and attended by representatives from ASA member associations across Asia.

Against the backdrop of approximately 2,000 vessels having remained trapped inside the Persian Gulf for nearly three months, ASA firmly condemned attacks on civilian ships and innocent seafarers, and called for the early establishment of emergency maritime safety corridors through strengthened international cooperation in order to protect lives, safeguard freedom of navigation and sustain global supply chains.

Mrs Eleanor Keukura Roi, ASA Chairperson and CEO of CISOA, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and responsible maritime leadership especially during a period of heightened global uncertainty, stating

“We are deeply concerned by the worsening maritime security environment facing seafarers worldwide, particularly in critical chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz. These challenges have been further compounded by a sharp rise in destructive cyber attacks targeting vessels, port infrastructure and logistics networks. Cyber threats, including ransomware, GPS spoofing and signal interference, pose serious risks to navigational safety, operational integrity and supply chain resilience.

In order to uphold full freedom of navigation for all parties in accordance with international law and strengthen cyber resilience across the maritime sector, collaboration among Asian shipowners, governments and international partners is more important than ever. ASA remains committed to addressing both physical and cyber risks through enhanced information sharing, stronger incident response cooperation, and continued engagement with governments to uphold the long-established principles of free and safe navigation.”

ASA warmly welcomed Mr Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), to an affiliated event held during the AGM, and fully supported his continued emphasis on protecting seafarers, ensuring free and safe navigation, maintaining the resilience of global supply chains, and advancing international cooperation through the IMO framework.

Addressing the impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf on global shipping and supply chains, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez underscored the critical role of maritime transport in sustaining global trade and energy security, warning that “We will not be able to provide these essential goods for everyone around the world” without safe and resilient shipping operations

He further highlighted the resilience of the shipping industry, noting that “We’re not only responsible for moving 90% of commodities and goods for everyone’s benefit, but the fact that we’re resilient.”

Furthermore, Mr Hitoshi Nagasawa, Vice Chairperson and President of the Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA), who was appointed as the 36th ASA Chairperson, emphasised

“It is crucial for ASA to continue expressing Asian voices in a timely and active manner in support of maintaining safe, stable and sustainable maritime trade through strategic waterways. I look forward to working closely with ASA members to deepen regional collaboration and advance our shared priorities.”

Mr Jong Seug Park, Chairman of the Korean Shipowners’ Association (KSA), was also appointed as Vice-Chairperson of ASA.

The next ASA AGM will be held in Hokkaido, Japan, from 2 to 4 June 2027