Saudi Arabia has won membership in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 term, after receiving 142 votes from member states during the elections held in London, the United Kingdom.
According to the statement, this election highlights the Kingdom’s continued leadership in shaping international maritime regulations, promoting collaborative efforts to safeguard the marine environment, and strengthening the safety and security of global maritime transport.
Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Transport General Authority (TGA) Saleh Al-Jasser expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince for their continued support for the transport system.
Al-Jasser affirmed that the Kingdom’s election reflects the international community’s confidence in its capabilities and its leading role within the IMO.
TGA said in a statement that this achievement comes as a culmination of the strong support provided by the Kingdom’s leadership to the maritime transport sector, and as a continuation of the progress realized under Saudi Vision 2030, which has strengthened the Kingdom’s position as an influential force shaping the future of the global maritime industry.
TGA highlighted the Kingdom’s advanced standing in the maritime sector, noting that the Saudi fleet ranks first regionally, while Saudi ports continue to enhance their global competitiveness. The National Transport and Logistics Strategy aims to boost port efficiency, facilitate trade flows, and expand marine tourism through cruise and coastal transport services, leveraging the Kingdom’s strategic location through which 13% of global trade passes via the Red Sea.
IMO
The IMO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, is the global authority responsible for setting international standards for maritime safety and security, reducing pollution from ships, and protecting the marine environment.
