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      Norway must continue to be a global driving force in the IMO

      The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association supports Norway’s candidacy for re-election as a Category A state on the IMO Council.

      The facade of the IMO building in London

      Norway is one of the world’s leading maritime nations, both in tonnage and value. With a complete maritime cluster at home, we believe Norway has the right expertise to contribute to international progress on green shipping, technological innovation, and safe working conditions at sea.

      “We are a small country, but a major maritime power. With the world’s fifth-largest fleet, we have both the expertise and the influence to help shape global developments across the maritime sector,” says Knut Arild Hareide, CEO of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association.

      A Long Tradition as a Category A Nation

      Norway has been a Category A member of the IMO Council since the organization was founded in 1958. The Shipowners’ Association believes continuity in this role is essential—both for Norway’s influence and for global progress toward more sustainable shipping.

      The election of a new Council will take place on 28 November 2025.  The newly elected Council will meet on 4 December, for the Council’s 136th session, and elect its Chair and Vice-Chair

       

      What is the IMO Council? 

      The IMO Council is the governing body of the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Council has 40 member states, elected for two-year terms, divided into three categories:

      • Category A: 10 countries with the largest interest in providing international shipping services. For 2024–25 these are Norway, Greece, China, Japan, Italy, Panama, South Korea, the UK, the USA, and Liberia.

      • Category B: 10 countries with the greatest interest in international maritime trade. In the previous term, these included Australia, Brazil, Canada, the UAE, France, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden.

      • Category C: 20 countries with a special interest in maritime transport or navigation, ensuring geographical representation. Current members include the Bahamas, Denmark, Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya, Malta, Mexico, Singapore, and Turkey.

      The IMO Council coordinates the organization’s work, monitors the implementation of decisions, and prepares matters for the IMO Assembly.