The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has elected its member council in an electoral campaign described by one nation as “tougher than usual”.
A total of 46 countries presented their candidature for the 40 council seats, resulting in two out of the three election categories being contested.
In category A, which comprises 10 countries with the largest interest in providing international shipping services there were no changes with the UK, China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and the US all re-elected.
In category B, which is not usually contested, saw Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) throw their hats into the ring making it 12 candidates for 10 seats.
Both countries succeeded in getting a seat on the council along with Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. Argentina and Bangladesh both lost their council seats.
Category C, which has 20 seats, is targeted at countries which have special interests in maritime transport or navigation and whose election to the council would ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world.
The successful countries after a contested election were: Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey.
The challengers Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia did not gain seats in the Council.
Commenting on the election Director-General of the Danish Maritime Authority Andreas Nordseth said: “I am pleased that Denmark has been re-elected as a member of the IMO Council with such great support.
“With the world’s 14th largest register of shipping, it is important for us to be represented at the Organization’s highest level and to help ensure that the IMO remains the global centre for the regulation of shipping.”
Singapore’s Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan in a posting on social media said: “It is certainly an affirmation from our many friends here at IMO.
“The re-election also acknowledges the hard work that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has put in to grow our maritime industry and to prepare it for the future.”
