IMO Council Candidates (2028-2029)

The Assembly, at its thirty-fifth session, will elect 40 Members of the Council as provided for in Articles 16 and 17 of the IMO Convention.

Total number of candidatures received to date: 

Category (a): Nil

Category (b): Nil

Category (c): 2


Category (a): 10 States with the largest interest in providing international shipping services (listed in alphabetical order):

To be listed when received.


Category (b): 10 States with the largest interest in international seaborne trade:

To be listed when received.


Category (c): 20 States not elected under (a) or (b) above which have special interests in maritime transport or navigation, and whose election to the Council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world:

  • Philippines

  • Qatar



The current Council Members elected at IMO Assembly 34 (24 November - 3 December 2025) for the 2026-2027 biennium:

Category (a): 10 States with the largest interest in providing international shipping services (listed in alphabetical order)

  • China

  • Greece

  • Italy

  • Japan

  • Liberia

  • Norway

  • Panama

  • Republic of Korea

  • United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

  • United States of America


Category (b): 10 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): 20 States not elected under (a) or (b) above which have special interests in maritime transport or navigation, and whose election to the Council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world:

  • Bahamas

  • Belgium

  • Chile

  • Cyprus

  • Egypt

  • Finland

  • Indonesia

  • Jamaica

  • Malaysia

  • Malta

  • Mexico

  • Morocco

  • Nigeria

  • Peru

  • Philippines

  • Qatar

  • Saudi Arabia 

  • Singapore

  • South Africa

  • Türkiye

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