The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has called on all of its member states to ensure that supply chains remain uninterrupted amid reports of recent threats and attacks to commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said commercial shipping "should never be a collateral victim of geopolitical conflicts."

"The recent reports of threats made to commercial shipping in the Red Sea are extremely alarming and unacceptable," he said, adding that any attack on commercial shipping is contrary to international maritime law, including laws which protect the freedom of navigation.

"Any action which might adversely affect shipping engaged in international trade must be avoided. Ships, cargoes and seafarers must be protected at all times," Lim said.

He then enjoined member-states of the IMO to ensure that freedom of navigation and the flow of goods is maintained amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe.

"I invite Member States to work together to ensure unhindered and safe global navigation, everywhere, as a prerequisite for maintaining the world's supply chains, and in line with the framework of the Djibouti Code of Conduct," the IMO chief added.