Finland seeks new term in Council of International Maritime Organization IMO

Finland is a Member of the Council of the International Maritime Organization IMO in 2024–2025. IMO makes decisions on key issues concerning the safety, sustainability and technologies of maritime transport, which is why Finland is seeking to be re-elected to the Council for the term 2026–2027.

“We are seeking a new term in the Council so that we can influence the key questions related to maritime transport in the future as well. Matters such as the competence needs, digital solutions and sustainable shipping involve both challenges and opportunities. Finland has a lot to offer for all of these,” Permanent Secretary Minna Kivimäki says.

Finland wants to continue the work to promote the efficiency, transparency and inclusiveness of IMO. If Finland is re-elected to the Council, Finland’s key priority will be to have the voices of professionals in maritime education and training and the next generation of seafarers heard. 

Shipping is important for the national economy and all Finns as more than 90 per cent of Finland’s imports and exports are transported by ships.

IMO develops regulation of maritime transport

The International Maritime Organization plays a key role in developing international rules for maritime transport. The elected Council composed of 40 IMO Member States comprehensively leads and guides IMO’s work between sessions of the Assembly. The new Member States of the Council will be elected in December 2025.

IMO has 176 Member States. Finland has been a Member of IMO since 1959.

Inquiries:

Eero Hokkanen, Alternate Permanent Representative of Finland to the IMO, Ministry of Transport and Communications, tel. +358 50 476 0401, [email protected]

Anita Mäkinen, Alternate Permanent Representative of Finland to the IMO, Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom, tel. +358 40 162 4592. [email protected]