Saudi Arabia Wins Membership in IMO Council for 2026-2027 Term

London: The Kingdom of 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. 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. According to Saudi Press Agency, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of 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. He affirmed that the Kingdom's election reflects the international community's confidence in its capabilities and its leading role within the IMO. TGA stated that this achievement comes as a culmination of the strong supp ort 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. This election underscores the Kingdom's ongoing influential role in developing international maritime regulations, supporting joint efforts to protect the marine environment, and enhancing the safety and security of global maritime transport.