In a vote of high geopolitical intensity and in an environment dominated by realignments, Greek shipping recorded one of the strongest presences, missing the top by just two votes and strengthening its position as a pillar of stability and expertise in the global shipping system.
“As a now elected member of the Council and for the next biennium, Greece, leveraging the accumulated expertise stemming from its centuries-old maritime tradition, will continue to actively support the objectives of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for a modern and safe international shipping, with realistic and implementable rules that do not undermine the viability of international shipping and the competitiveness of the sector. Thus, shipping will continue to operate for the benefit of the global economy and the citizens of the entire planet,” the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy states in an announcement following the release of the results.
The vote took place approximately one month after the tumultuous decision to postpone the discussion on the shipping decarbonization roadmap. A discussion during which our country differentiated itself together with Cyprus from the other EU countries, having identified serious issues with the framework, while it was also combined with the country’s broader energy and defense interests. A stance that was rewarded by almost all IMO member states, as demonstrated in yesterday’s vote.
It is noted that in the vote for Category A, which includes the states with the largest role in providing international shipping services – i.e., the traditional “shipping powers” with strong fleets and great expertise in the sector – China took first place, gathering 155 votes.
In the same category, Italy also gathered 155 votes, followed by Korea with 154 and Greece in fourth place with 153 votes – tied with the United Kingdom. Japan came in sixth with 150 votes, followed by Panama (148), the USA (147), Norway (143) and Liberia (141).
Russia gathered only 87 votes – the lowest among the candidate countries – and ended up in 11th place.
It is noted that Ukraine had called on member states to vote against the Russian candidacy, citing blatant violation of the law of the sea and attacks on port facilities since 2022.
The elections for the new 40-member Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are based on three representation categories, which reflect the role and specific weight of each state in international shipping and global trade.
Category A includes the ten states with the largest role in providing international shipping services – i.e., the traditional “shipping powers” with strong fleets and great expertise in the sector.
Category B concerns ten countries that play a crucial role in global maritime trade, possessing large ports, high imports and exports, and significant commercial activity.
Finally, Category C brings together twenty states that may not belong to the two previous categories, but have a special interest in navigation or maritime transport.
Their participation ensures geographical balance and fair representation of all regions of the world on the Council.
The Assembly, which meets every two years in regular sessions, elects the forty members of the Council.
The council is the executive body of the UNO and is responsible, under the supervision of the assembly, for overseeing the work of the Organization. The elections were conducted by secret ballot and with physical presence. The newly elected council will meet on December 4 (for the 136th session of the council) and will elect its chair and vice-chair.
The Assembly is expected to approve the revised strategic plan for the six-year period 2024-2029, as well as the Organization’s budget and program of work for the years 2026 and 2027.
