Australia has taken a big step towards continuing to address shipping and supply chain issues globally
The federal government has confirmed that Australia has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council to continue more than 50 years of tradition helping to address global shipping trade challenges.
Having been a founding member of the IMO and been on the Council for more than half a century, Australia will continue to help shape safety and seafarer welfare in international shipping while preventing maritime and atmospheric pollution from ships.
The IMO Council also supports the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.
“Australia’s reappointment to the IMO Council fortifies our commitment to a sustainable and secure future for global shipping,” federal transport minister Catherine King says.
“We are proud to have successfully championed a range of reforms to make the organisation more open, fair, transparent and accessible to all.
“We look forward to continuing our active engagement in shaping policies that safeguard the interests of our nation and the international maritime community.
“We’ll continue to support the IMO in meeting new challenges arising from emerging technology, global trade expansion, sustainability decarbonising international shipping.”
Australia is a member of Category B, which is composed of 10 states with the largest interest in international seaborne trade.
King says Australia is dedicated to collaborating with other member states at the IMO to further develop and implement safety and environmental standards for international shipping.
“With our own legislated national target of net zero by 2050, Australia is an active player in advocating for the decarbonisation of international shipping – something we recently demonstrated during the IMO’s 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy negotiations,” King says.
“We would like to thank the international community who supported Australia in the re-election to the IMO Council.”