IMO
Russia failed on Friday in its bid for reelection to Category (a) at the IMO Council. Member states held a secret ballot to elect nations to the International Maritime Organization’s council, the UN body’s executive organ responsible, under the assembly, for supervising the work of the organisation. The council is made up of 40 member states, elected by the assembly for two-year terms, split across Categories (a), (b) and (c) . Category (a) is the group reserved for the 10 states with the “largest interest” in providing shipping services.
For 2024–25, Russia was unceremoniously voted out of Category (a) in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine — the first time in living memory it had been excluded.
Moscow sought reelection last week. Awkwardly for Russia, however, the nation was reminded last week that it is behind in paying its IMO dues.
Ukraine said last week Russia’s candidacy was “incompatible” with maritime law.
The US’s own re-nomination generated diplomatic chatter, given President Trump’s well-publicised hostility towards UN institutions.
The newly elected council will meet for its 136th session on December 4 and will elect its chair and vice-chair for the next biennium.