Australia will seek another two-year term on the International Maritime Organization Council, arguing that its continued membership would support safe, sustainable and reliable global shipping.
The government announced the candidacy on World Maritime Day. Australia is seeking re-election to Category B, the council group made up of countries with the largest interests in international seaborne trade.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said council membership gives Australia a role in standards affecting maritime safety, environmental protection, seafarer welfare, search and rescue, digital maritime services and the adoption of emerging technologies.
The campaign will also emphasise cooperation with Indo-Pacific neighbours and Small Island Developing States. Key challenges before the organisation include lower-carbon shipping fuels, marine pollution and the safe introduction of new maritime systems.
Australia is a founding member of the IMO and has helped shape its work for almost 75 years. Member states are due to elect the council for the 2028–29 biennium at the organisation's 35th Assembly in December 2027.
Source: Joint media release from Australia's foreign and infrastructure ministers.
Image disclosure: The featured image is an AI-generated editorial illustration. It does not show an actual IMO meeting or specific commercial vessels.
