The International Maritime Organization’s Council (IMO) today announced the election of Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco from Panama as its secretary-general for a four-year term. On January 1, 2024, he will succeed Kitack Lim who served two terms.
Mr. Dominguez came out on top of six other contenders from China, Turkey, Kenya, Finland, Dominica and Bangladesh. He will take the helm at an especially challenging time as the global shipping industry addresses strong pressures to accelerate decarbonization.
Guy Platten, secretary general of the International Chamber of Shipping association, said: “The position of IMO Secretary-General is not an easy one, and there are undoubtedly challenges ahead as the industry strives to meet the 2030, 2040, and 2050 targets, but it will be a pleasure to tackle these challenges head-on with Mr. Dominguez for a better and safer future for our industry and its people.”
A trained naval architect, Mr. Dominguez has served as director of the IMO’s marine environment division for just over six years and was previously Panama’s IMO representative, according to his LinkedIn biography. He has also served with Panama’s maritime authority.
