The 34th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly has announced the election of 40 Member States to the IMO Council for 2026–2027.
2026-2027 IMO Council elected
The Council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible, under the Assembly, for supervising the work of the Organization. Between sessions of the Assembly, the Council performs all the functions of the Assembly, except that of making recommendations to Governments on maritime safety and pollution prevention. The Assembly, which normally meets once every two years in regular session, is responsible, among other things, for electing the Organization’s 40-Member Council.
Member States were elected across three categories, each representing different aspects of global maritime interests:
Category (a): States with the largest interest in providing international shipping services
Ten countries with significant influence in global shipping operations were elected under Category (a):
- China
- Greece
- Italy
- Japan
- Liberia
- Norway
- Panama
- Republic of Korea
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- United States of America
Category (b): States with the largest interest in international seaborne trade
- Australia
- Brazil
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- India
- Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Arab Emirates
Category (c): States with special maritime interests and ensuring equitable geographic representation
- Bahamas
- Belgium
- Chile
- Cyprus
- Egypt
- Finland
- Indonesia
- Jamaica
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Peru
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Türkiye
The newly elected Council will convene for its 136th session on 4 December 2025, during which it will elect its Chair and Vice-Chair and begin work on guiding the Organization’s strategic and administrative agenda.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: IMO
