Today, during the 32nd Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the election of new members of the Council (Category A), Greece was elected to the IMO Council receiving the highest number of votes among all candidates for the first time in the history of its participation in the Organization (150 votes out of a total of 157).
Our country’s election, for the first time with the highest number of votes, to the International Maritime Organization Council (for the 2022–23 biennium) demonstrates its significant role as one of the leaders in the field of international shipping. It is noted that Greece, continuing a centuries-old maritime tradition, controls approximately 20% of global seaborne trade. In parallel, the above diplomatic success at the IMO seals Greece’s long-standing and particularly active contribution to shaping maritime legislation through its continuous presence in the proceedings of the Committees and Subcommittees of the Organization.
It is pointed out that Greece, being one of the founding members of the IMO, has continually been elected, with one exception in 1977, in Category A of the Council of the Organization, due to the size of its merchant fleet.
Our country wishes also to express its sincere appreciation to the IMO member states, which have given practical recognition to Greece’s efforts and contributions within the Organization aimed primarily at securing and protecting international shipping, as well as at preventing pollution from ships.