Russia Loses Bid to Rejoin IMO Council’s Top Category

Russia has failed in its attempt to regain a seat in Category (a) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council following a secret ballot held on Friday. Member states voted to fill positions on the IMO’s executive council, which oversees the organization’s work under the assembly. The 40 council seats are divided into Categories (a), (b) and (c), with Category (a) reserved for the 10 states with the “largest interest” in providing international shipping services.

Russia was voted out of Category (a) for the 2024–25 term after its invasion of Ukraine, marking the first time in recent memory that it had been excluded. Moscow sought to reclaim its position this year.

Complicating matters for Russia, member states were recently reminded that the country is behind on its IMO contributions. Ukraine also argued that Russia’s candidacy was “incompatible” with maritime law.

The United States’ renomination attracted attention as well, given President Trump’s widely known criticism of UN institutions.

The newly elected council will convene for its 136th session on December 4, during which it will select its chair and vice chair for the next two-year term.