The International Maritime Organization (IMO) will convene its 34th regular session of the Assembly from 24 November to 3 December 2025. Bringing together all 176 Member States and accredited observers, the Assembly the highest decision-making body of IMO will elect a new Council for the 2026–2027 biennium and approve the Organization’s strategic plan, work programme, and budget.
Election of the 40-Member IMO Council
A major focus of the upcoming session will be the election of a new 40-Member IMO Council, scheduled for 28 November, conducted through an in-person secret ballot. The Council acts as IMO’s executive organ and oversees the Organization’s work between Assembly sessions.
The Council will be elected based on three categories:
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Category (a): 10 States with the largest interest in providing international shipping services.
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Category (b): 10 States with the largest interest in international seaborne trade.
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Category (c): 20 States with special maritime interests, ensuring global geographic representation.
The newly elected Council will hold its 136th session on 4 December, where it will elect its Chair and Vice-Chair.
Approval of Strategic Plan, Budget, and Key Resolutions
The Assembly is also expected to adopt the revised Strategic Plan for 2024–2029, alongside the work programme and budget for 2026–2027. Several important resolutions covering IMO’s technical and regulatory framework will be considered. These include:
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Updated survey guidelines under the HSSC (2025)
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Procedures for Port State Control (2025)
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Amendments related to the GMDSS satellite communication criteria
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Updates to the IMO Member State Audit Scheme
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A consolidated text of the IMO Convention
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Increased use of Arabic as a working language
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Rules for live-streaming Assembly sessions to the public
In addition, the Assembly will host its IMO Awards Ceremony on 24 November, honouring outstanding contributions to maritime safety and exceptional bravery at sea.
The 34th session of the IMO Assembly marks an important moment for global maritime governance. With the election of a new Council, approval of the Organization’s strategic priorities, and adoption of key regulatory updates, the session will shape IMO’s direction for the next two years. The decisions taken will influence international shipping, maritime safety, and environmental standards across the globe.
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Source: IMO
