Cyprus was not only re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), but also managed to significantly increase the support it received in votes from member states, compared to the previous election process, according to the Shipping Deputy Ministry.
In a statement, the Deputy Ministry notes that Cyprus was successfully re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during the vote held in London on Friday, 28 November, 2025, during the Organization's 34th General Assembly. Cyprus was a candidate for re-election as one of the 26 members of the Council of Category C.
"In a difficult election, Cyprus was not only re-elected, but also managed to significantly increase the support it received in votes from member states, compared to the previous election process. Specifically, our country rose from 12th to 7th place among 26 candidate countries, securing more votes and confirming its strong international presence," the Deputy Ministry adds.
Cyprus was first elected to the IMO Council in 1987. Since then, it has maintained a continuous and active presence on the Council due to its important work, active participation in international shipping processes, and constructive contribution to addressing the challenges of the industry, it notes.
"The continuous re-election of Cyprus demonstrates the confidence of member states in our country's capabilities and reliability. This re-election strengthens Cyprus' ability to actively participate in strategic decisions affecting international shipping, while promoting Cyprus as an important international shipping hub," the Deputy Ministry concludes.
The Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) elected 40 Member States to form its Council for the next two-year term, 2026–2027. The elections were completed on Friday during the proceedings of the Organization’s 34th Assembly, held at its headquarters in London. Cyprus was re-elected, ranking 7th, compared to 12th place in the previous election.
“This result reflects the very good and systematic work carried out by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, the Cyprus High Commission in London, and all those who contributed to Cyprus’s pre-election campaign,” a diplomatic source told CNA.
Meanwhile, a leading figure in international shipping told CNA that “the re-election of Cyprus to the Council of the International Maritime Organization, and indeed in a better position than in the previous election, is considered a success in shipping circles and once again confirms Cyprus’s steady and long-standing contribution to the work and mission of the IMO.”
More specifically, the full results are as follows:
Category (A), concerning the provision of international shipping services and consisting of 10 members, elected: China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom, and United States of America.
Category (B), concerning international seaborne trade and also consisting of 10 members, elected: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and United Arab Emirates.
Category (C), concerning special interests in shipping and navigation and consisting of 20 members, elected: Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and Turkey.
More detailed results in this category are as follows: Singapore 149, Saudi Arabia 142, Belgium 141, Turkey 139, Indonesia 138, Qatar 137, Cyprus 136, Philippines 136, Malta 133, Egypt 132, Morocco 130, Jamaica 129, Malaysia 129, Peru 127, Chile 126, Mexico 126, Bahamas 125, Finland 118, South Africa 117, Nigeria 116.
The new IMO Council will be constituted during its 136th session on 4 December, when the Chair and Vice-Chair for the new two-year term will be elected.
(Source: CNA)
