Greece was elected a top new council member state in the membership election for the 2022-2023 biennium held by the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 32nd Assembly on Friday.
Gathering 150 out of 157 votes, Greece came first among 40 member states in the category of countries with the largest interest in providing international shipping services.
The election of Greece to the top of IMO’s Council for the first time demonstrates the country’s significant role as one of the leading forces in the field of international shipping, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted in an announcement.
It was also pointed out that Greece is in charge of about 20 pct of the world’s maritime trade total, while the Greek-flagged fleet is ranked 8th globally and 2nd in the European Union (in 2020), continuing Greece’s historic maritime tradition that dates back centuries.
Moreover, Greece’s diplomatic success at the IMO marks its active, long-term contribution in formulating shipping legislation, through its continuous presence in the organization’s work as pursued in its committees and subcommittees.
Finally, Greece expresses its sincere thanks to the IMO member states that recognized its efforts and contribution within the organization, and its primary goal of securing and protecting international shipping, as well as preventing maritime pollution caused by ships, it was highlighted in the announcement.
