Bahamas re-elected to IMO Council

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas was successfully re-elected to the IMO Council for the period 2022-2023, securing the fifth-highest number of votes (out of 27 contestants) for Category C, which currently has a membership of 20 IMO member states.

This achievement demonstrates the confidence the IMO member states have in the collaborative approach, positive contribution and proactive engagement of The Bahamas in the international regulatory process.

The achievement comes as a result of the competence and experience of the personnel of the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) and other Bahamas governmental agencies.

The IMO Council, which currently comprises a total of 40 member states in all categories, is the executive organ of the IMO and is responsible for supervising the work of the IMO between sessions of the IMO Assembly.

A reform is ongoing with a resolution adopted to:

• Increase the IMO Council membership to 52, comprising 12 from Category A, 12 from category B and 28 members from Category C.
• Extend the election period from two to four years.

The Bahamas’ role on this strategic body reaffirms its commitment to the organization’s objective of safe, secure and efficient shipping on cleaner oceans.

Of equal importance is that it enables Bahamian ship owners to have an active voice in, and access to, the process for effective and practical regulations.

Captain Dwain Hutchinson, managing director and CEO of the Bahamas Maritime Authority, said: “We are honored by the trust of the IMO member states, who we thank for their support of The Bahamas’ re-election to the IMO Council.

“Our membership is recognition of the dedication and commitment of the Bahamas government through the Ministry of Transport, Bahamas High Commission, Attorney General’s Office, other national departments/agencies and, of course, the entire team at the BMA who represent The Bahamas’ shipping industry.

“The BMA looks forward to continuing to effectively represent The Bahamas and be an active voice for our ship owners and other strategic partners.”