The list of States that have announced their candidatures for election to the IMO Council has been published on the IMO website.  The list will be regularly updated.  

The election of Members of the Council will be held during the IMO Assembly 32nd session taking place 6-15 December 2021.   

IMO Council members will be elected under three categories as follow:

  • Category (a) 10 States with the largest interest in providing international shipping services; 
  • Category (b) 10 States with the largest interest in international seaborne trade; and 
  • Category (c) 20 States not elected under (a) or (b) above, which have special interests in maritime transport or navigation and whose election to the Council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world. 


As of 22 March 2021, 26 countries have sent their candidature. Please click here to see an updated list.  

The IMO Council is elected by the Assembly for two-year terms beginning after each regular session of the Assembly. The Council is the Executive Organ of IMO and is responsible, under the Assembly, for supervising the work of the Organization.