IMO Assembly, 34th session: New 40-member Council to be voted in for the 2026-2027 biennium
LONDON: The IMO Assembly is holding its 34th session at IMO headquarters in London fro 24 November to 3 December.
The Assembly is the highest Governing Body of the Organization, consisting of all Member States, responsible for approving the work programme and deciding on the budget. The Assembly also elects the Council.
In his welcome remarks, Secretary-General Dominguez stated: “We meet today at a time when the maritime sector continues to navigate a complex international environment marked by geopolitical tensions, evolving trade patterns, and an accelerating global transition towards decarbonization and digitalization.”
“The successes still ahead of us will depend on your decisions and your collective action in bringing together this diverse community,” he said.
Secretary-General Dominguez highlighted the Organization’s achievements during the current biennium, including work to promote maritime safety, ocean protection and digitalization, address fraudulent ship registration, support seafarers, and strengthen capacity development.
Key speakers
The Right Honourable Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport for the United Kingdom, welcomed delegates to the Assembly, as the representative of the Host State.
The outgoing President of the Assembly, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Bin Bandar Bin Sultan Al-Saud, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Saudi Arabia, and the incoming President, Her Excellency Mrs. Marine de Carné de Trécesson de Coëtlogon, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to IMO, addressed the Assembly.
Election of Officers
The Assembly elected the following officers:
Assembly President
H.E. Mrs. Marine de Carné de Trécesson de Coëtlogon, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to IMO
Assembly Vice Presidents
First Vice President: H.E. Mr. Hakim Hajoui, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Morocco to the United Kingdom and Great Britain
Second Vice President: H.E. Dr. Iruthisham Adam, High Commissioner and Permanent Representative of Maldives to IMO, was elected as second Vice President.
Election of Council
The Assembly, which meets every two years in regular sessions, elects the forty Members of the Council. The Council is the Executive Organ of IMO and is responsible, under the Assembly, for supervising the work of the Organization.
A new 40-Member IMO Council for the 2026-2027 biennium will be elected. The candidates for the election are listed here. The election will take place on Friday 28 November, with an in-person, secret ballot.
The Assembly is also expected to adopt the Organization’s budget and work programme for 2026 and 2027.