Joyous Christmas Season: Liberia Gets Reelected to Category A Seat on IMO Council at 34th Assembly Session

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: In what can be described as a fiercely contested race at the 34th Assembly Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, Liberia has emerged victorious for the second consecutive time, securing 141 votes out of 169 member states who voted to maintain a Category ‘A’ slot on the IMO Council.

Liberia's reelection marks a significant achievement for the West African nation, which now maintains its position in the ranks of the forty Member States overseeing the executive functions of the IMO for the next biennium (2025-2026).

Initially, eleven candidates were certified for the process, but Russia stepped out, leaving ten candidates, including Liberia, Panama, Greece, Italy, China, Korea, America, Norway, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

In this election cycle, Liberia entered the contest as the only African nation seeking reelection to the Category A seat, marking a significant moment not only in its national maritime history but also for the entire African continent.

The IMO Council results show China with 15, Greece – 153, Italy – 155, Japan -150, Liberia -141, Norway – 143, Panama -148, Republic of Korea – 154, Russian Federation -87, United Kingdom – 153, and United States – 147.

The IMO, which serves as the world’s top regulatory body for international shipping, is made up of 175 member states, although 169 countries participated in the 34th Assembly Session.

The IMO Council, comprised of 40 Members, is the executive arm of the organization, and Category ‘A’ comprises countries with the greatest interest in providing international shipping services.

Liberia, with its impressive 14 percent share of the world’s oceangoing fleet, totaling over 5,000 vessels, fittingly falls into this top-tier category.

Category A is the IMO’s most influential decision-making tier reserved for major maritime powers that play key roles in international shipping regulations, safety standards, and global maritime policies.

Category A membership gives Liberia greater authority in shaping international maritime regulations, policies on ship safety, marine environmental protection, and global shipping governance.

Liberia’s return to Category A signals its growing relevance and influence in global maritime affairs, a sector in which the country continues to hold one of the world’s largest ship registries.