Japan elected to the IMO Council Category “A” member
2025/11/28
On 28 November, the International Maritime Organization (IMO)* Council election (for the term 2026-2027) took place during its 34th Session of the Assembly. As a result of voting, Japan was successfully elected as a Category “A” member, and consequently Japan will continue to contribute to the IMO as a Council member next year and beyond.
Prior to the election, on 26 November, Chargé d'affaires ad interim Masaki Ikegami hosted a reception on the occasion of the candidature of Japan to the IMO Council as a Category “A” member. The reception was held to express Japan’s continuous contribution to the IMO as a Council member since the organization’s establishment in 1958, as well as Japan’s strong commitment to oceanic and international maritime affairs, such as regarding the decarbonisation of shipping and the emergence of maritime autonomous surface ships.
In his opening remarks, Chargé d'affaires Ikegami mentioned that the IMO Headquarters, until it moved to its current location in Lambeth, London in 1982, used to be located in the current building of the Embassy of Japan, and the fact that this reflects Japan’s longstanding connection with the IMO and global maritime affairs. He further stressed Japan’s willingness and capability in leading a range of safety and environmental measures developed by the IMO and its strong commitment to the future of international shipping, and called for support for Japan at the IMO Council election.
Around 270 participants joined the reception, with guests including the Head of Missions and other delegates to the IMO Assembly and the Secretary General of the IMO.
*International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The IMO is one of the specialised agencies of the United Nations, with its headquarters located in London. This agency develops and revises global shipping conventions and standards concerning safety requirements for ship structure and equipment, as well as environmental regulations such as for oil and hazardous waste substances from ships.
Prior to the election, on 26 November, Chargé d'affaires ad interim Masaki Ikegami hosted a reception on the occasion of the candidature of Japan to the IMO Council as a Category “A” member. The reception was held to express Japan’s continuous contribution to the IMO as a Council member since the organization’s establishment in 1958, as well as Japan’s strong commitment to oceanic and international maritime affairs, such as regarding the decarbonisation of shipping and the emergence of maritime autonomous surface ships.
In his opening remarks, Chargé d'affaires Ikegami mentioned that the IMO Headquarters, until it moved to its current location in Lambeth, London in 1982, used to be located in the current building of the Embassy of Japan, and the fact that this reflects Japan’s longstanding connection with the IMO and global maritime affairs. He further stressed Japan’s willingness and capability in leading a range of safety and environmental measures developed by the IMO and its strong commitment to the future of international shipping, and called for support for Japan at the IMO Council election.
Around 270 participants joined the reception, with guests including the Head of Missions and other delegates to the IMO Assembly and the Secretary General of the IMO.
*International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The IMO is one of the specialised agencies of the United Nations, with its headquarters located in London. This agency develops and revises global shipping conventions and standards concerning safety requirements for ship structure and equipment, as well as environmental regulations such as for oil and hazardous waste substances from ships.