Secretary-General
Latest statements
Mozart piracy attack (statement issued 25 January 2021)
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said:
"I am deeply concerned by reports of the criminal attack on the container ship Mozart, which has left one seafarer dead. Fifteen crew are reported kidnapped. I express my deepest sympathies to the families. I am monitoring developments, and wish that this matter be resolved quickly. This is an extremely serious attack on merchant shipping. IMO is committed to enhancing the interactions with the relevant stakeholders including the littoral states to prevent such further incidents occurring."
COVID-19 pandemic
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim has issued statements addressing the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on seafarers, the shipping industry and the global supply chain - please click here.
Kitack Lim
Kitack Lim was elected Secretary-General of the Organization by the 114th session of the IMO Council in June 2015 for a four-year period beginning 1 January 2016. The election was endorsed by the IMO's Assembly at its 29th session in November 2015.
At its 31st session (November-December 2019), the Assembly approved the renewal of Mr. Kitack Lim's appointment as Secretary-General of IMO, for a second and final term of four years (1 January 2020 to 31 December 2023).
Mr. Kitack Lim (Republic of Korea) is the eighth elected Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization .
Senior Management Committee
The Senior Management Committee is composed of:
Mr. Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization;
Mr. Lawrence Barchue, Assistant Secretary-General and Director, Department for Member State Audit and Implementation Support;
Mr. Frederick Kenney, Director, Legal Affairs and External Relations Division;
Ms. Heike Deggim, Director, Maritime Safety Division;
Mr. Hiroyuki Yamada, Director, Marine Environment Division;
Ms. Ariane Gireud, Director, Conference Division;
Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Director, Administrative Division;
Mr. Xioajie Zhang, Director, Technical Cooperation Division;
Mr. Sung-Jin Kim, Head, Internal Oversight and Ethics Office;
Mr. Jose Matheical, Chief, Department of Partnerships and Projects;
Mrs. Azara A. Prempeh, Chief of Staff, Executive Office of the Secretary-General.
Previous statements
United Nations 75th anniversary (24 October 2020)
MV Wakashio (16 September 2020)IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said,
I would like to express my sympathies to the delegation of Mauritius for the oil spill affecting them, following the break-up of the MV Wakashio. We will continue to provide the necessary assistance and I commend all those involved in the international efforts to support the Government of Mauritius to mitigate the negative impact. I look forward to a full investigation into these incidents so that the results and findings can be brought to IMO and we can act on any recommendations accordingly.
Gulf Livestock 1 (11 September 2020)
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said,
"I am saddened to hear of the reported loss of the Gulf Livestock 1 during Typhoon Maysak, with 40 crew still missing, two rescued and one confirmed fatality. I send my deepest sympathies to all their families and loved ones. I commend those involved in the search and rescue operations. IMO is monitoring the ongoing situation and stands ready to offer any technical assistance that may be needed.
In the longer term, it is expected that there will be a full investigation into this incident and that the results and findings will be brought to IMO so that we can do whatever may be necessary to reduce the chances of such an incident happening again."
Lebanon (5 August 2020)
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said:
"I express my deepest condolences and sincerest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Lebanon following the catastrophic explosions in the port of Beirut yesterday. The port provides a vital artery bringing food, medicines and supplies to the country and its destruction will have devastating consequences. The United Nations is assisting the immediate response to the incident. The International Maritime Organization stands ready to assist in any way we can."