In London today, Canada was re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026-27 term, while Russia failed to win enough votes to rejoin the governing body of the specialized UN agency. Russia lost its seat on the IMO Council in 2023 following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Russia was the sole candidate rejected among the 10 states in the category of the largest interest in international shipping services. This group comprised Germany, Australia, Brazil, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Spain, France, India, The Netherlands and Sweden.
Under the category of the 10 states with the largest interest in providing international shipping services were elected China, the United States, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, Korea, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
The newly-elected Council will meet for its 136th session on December 4 and will then elect its Chair and Vice-Chair for the next two years.
“Canada is honoured to be entrusted once again with a seat on the International Maritime Organization Council,” commented Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.
“With this re-election, Canada affirms its enduring commitment to safety, security, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth in the international maritime sector. Canada looks forward to continuing work with our partners at the IMO to make seaborne trade safer, cleaner, and more resilient for present and future generations.”
Canada follows international conventions developed at the IMO, such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).
Canada is also a strong contributor to advancing IMO priorities, including addressing pollution by ships, cooperating on issues related to Arctic and polar waters, supporting gender equality and diversity in the maritime sector workforce, and protecting the well-being of seafarers.
(Photos from IMO)