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The Philippines seeks re-election to the International Maritime Organization Council in Category C for the 2024-2025 biennium
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Election to the IMO Council will enhance the country’s marine industry, safeguard Filipino seafarers, and contribute to marine protection, according to the Department of Transportation
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The country has been an active council member under Category C since 1997
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The election for members of the IMO Council will be held during the IMO Assembly 33rd session on November 27-December 6
The Philippines is seeking reelection to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in Category C for the 2024-2025 biennium.
The reelection to the IMO Council, responsible for overseeing the organization’s work, aims to bolster the country’s marine industry and protection efforts while safeguarding the welfare of Filipino seafarers.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it intends to continue its contribution to policy formulation and decision-making within the advisory body.
Since 1997, the Philippines has been an active council member in Category C, representing states with a special interest in maritime transport and navigation. This ensures that all major geographic areas of the world are represented on the council.
Membership in the IMO Council grants privileges like contributing to policy formulation, participating in decision-making processes, and exercising voting rights within the international organization.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista emphasized IMO Council membership enables the government to sustain various technical cooperation projects and allows the country to implement state administration responsibilities as required under relevant conventions, codes, and protocols.
“We believe our seat at the Council is rooted in our being the preferred choice of seafarers in the global crew manning market as well as being the fifth largest shipbuilding nation,” Bautista said in a speech delivered by Transport Undersecretary for Maritime Elmer Francisco Sarmiento during a diplomatic reception supporting the Philippines’ candidature.
Bautista also emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to marine environmental protection through efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and plastic pollution in partnership with international organizations.
“We pledge to remain a proactive member of the IMO at [sic] ensuring the safety of life and property at sea, sustainable shipping, and [an] environmentally sound marine industry,” Bautista affirmed.
The Philippines represents the largest contingent of global maritime crew, with 385,000 Filipino seafarers deployed in 2023 and over 171,000 certified Filipino officers aboard marine vessels as of April.
Apart from 569 ships locally constructed for domestic use and 47 vessels for export last year, the DOTr highlighted the Philippines’ dedication to green shipping and marine environment protection.
The Maritime Industry Authority monitors compliance of Philippine-registered vessels with IMO sulfur limits on fuel oil. The Philippine Ports Authority prioritizes its Green Port initiative to promote sustainable port operations, and the Philippine Coast Guard enhances its strategies for responding to oil spills.
The Philippines has been a member of the IMO since 1964, joined the IMO Council in 1997, and ratified 28 IMO Conventions.
The election for IMO Council members will occur during the 33rd session of the IMO Assembly from November 27 to December 6. The IMO has received 46 candidatures, including 25 for Category C, 11 for Category A (states with the largest interest in providing international shipping services), and 10 for Category B (states with the largest interest in international seaborne trade).
IMO will elect 40 members of the Council, and the election is scheduled for December 1.
