The International Maritime Organization (IMO) opened the 34th session of its Assembly this morning at the IMO headquarters in London, bringing together delegates from Member States to determine the Organization’s strategic direction, work programme, and budget.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez welcomed delegates, delivering his first address to the Assembly in his capacity as head of the Organization.
In his opening remarks, Secretary-General Dominguez acknowledged the demanding context in which the session is taking place, noting: “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.”
Reflecting on his first two years in office, the Secretary-General highlighted his priorities, which include advancing the sector on matters like safety, security, decarbonization, and automation; increasing the Organization’s visibility; and enhancing support for all Member States, particularly through technical cooperation and capacity development.
Mr. Dominguez stressed that “The successes still ahead of us will depend on your decisions and your collective action in bringing together this diverse community.” He also referenced internal reforms to strengthen the IMO, including revising strategies on gender, diversity and racial equality, and improvements to communications and facilities.
The Assembly elected its leadership for the 34th regular session:
-
President: H.E. Mrs. Marine de Carné de Trécesson de Coëtlogon, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to IMO.
-
First Vice President: H.E. Mr. Hakim Hajoui, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Morocco to the United Kingdom.
-
Second Vice President: H.E. Dr. Iruthisham Adam, High Commissioner and Permanent Representative of Maldives to IMO.
The Assembly, which is the IMO’s highest Governing Body, will be responsible for a number of crucial decisions over the coming days, including:
-
Adoption of the revised Strategic Plan covering the period 2024 to 2029.
-
Approval of the budget and work programme for the 2026–2027 biennium.
-
Adoption of the new IMO Capacity Development Strategy, a comprehensive and consolidated framework for technical cooperation.
-
Adoption of the Framework and Procedures for the second cycle of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme.
-
Enhancement of multilingualism, notably through the inclusion of Arabic as a working language for the Assembly.
The Secretary-General praised the steady commitment of Member States, highlighting progress across IMO’s committees on critical issues such as the IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy implementation, development of regulatory frameworks for new technologies and alternative fuels, efforts to combat fraudulent registration and the criminalization of seafarers, and the mandatory transition to the maritime single window.
Concluding his address, the Secretary-General reiterated the IMO’s commitment to the welfare of seafarers, who “remain at the heart of the maritime sector.”
The IMO Assembly will also host the IMO Awards Ceremony this evening to recognize individuals for exceptional bravery and outstanding service in the maritime domain.
