Finland to contest for retaining IMO council membership

Finland is seeking to be re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the 2026–2027 term, said the Ministry of Transport and Communications in a press release on Monday.

Finland is a Member of the IMO Council in 2024–2025.

“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 said.

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.

The IMO 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.