Australia is delighted to have been re-elected to Category B of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for 2024-25.
The IMO is a specialised United Nations agency dedicated to ensuring the safety, efficiency, and security of international shipping and it appoints the Council to oversee its work.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Chief Executive Officer Mr Mick Kinley said Australia’s re-appointment to the Council is testament to Australia’s substantial maritime claims.
“As a large maritime nation, 99% of Australia’s international trade is conducted by sea, with over 28,000 port visits in the 2022/23 year alone. We also have the world’s third-largest exclusive economic zone and our search and rescue region covers 10% of the earth’s surface,” he said.
“While Australia manages one of the world’s largest shipping tasks, our coastlines and diverse marine environments are integral to our nation’s environmental and cultural heritage, and economic prosperity, therefore, sustainability remains a top priority.”
Mr Kinley emphasised Australia’s reappointment to the IMO Council will ensure the interests of Australia and our region continue to be represented at the forefront of international maritime policy development.
“Australia’s reappointment reinforces our nation’s continued dedication to address new challenges arising from emerging technology, global trade expansion, demographic shifts and environmental events. Our ultimate goal is to secure a safe and sustainable future for global shipping, “Mr Kinley said.
Highlighting Australia’s longstanding involvement in the IMO Council since 1985, Mr. Kinley expressed gratitude for the global community’s support in endorsing Australia’s continued contribution to the IMO Council for the 2024-25 biennium,”
Australia’s campaign for re-election to category b of the IMO Council was led by AMSA, supported by the Australian Government Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.
