The Philippines has been re-elected as member at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C for 2026-2027 reaffirming its role in the global maritime sector.
The election was held on Nov. 24, 2025 at the 34th IMO Assembly in London. The newly elected Council will convene for its 136th session on December 4, 2025, where it will elect its Chair and Vice-Chair for the next term.
The IMO Council serves as the executive body of the Organization, overseeing its work between Assembly sessions and guiding international maritime regulations, safety, environmental standards, and policy direction.
Category C are countries with special interests and global geographic representation. Twenty 20 states not elected under categories (a) or (b), but which ensure balanced global representation and hold special maritime interests, were elected. These are Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica,Malaysia,Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and Türkiye,
Meantime, Category A includes ten countries with the largest interest in international Shipping Services. These are China,
Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom, and United States of America.
Category B represents countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade. There are ten countries elected for the major role in global maritime trade, including: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and United Arab Emirates.
