Denmark was not re-elected to the Council of the UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO)

Published 27-11-2025

Denmark did not secure re-election today as a member of the Council of the UN’s International Maritime Organization for the 2026–2027 term. As a result, Denmark will not hold a seat on the IMO Council in the upcoming election period.

“Although we had naturally hoped for re-election, we respect the outcome. Denmark will continue to work determinedly for high maritime safety, green transition, and strong international regulation – as we have done on climate matters on behalf of the EU through our presidency,” says the Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority, Brian Adrian Wessel.

Denmark ran in category C, which comprises countries that represent the geographical breadth of the IMO and make significant contributions to the organization’s strategic priorities. The election took place during IMO’s 34th Assembly.

Although Denmark will not be part of the Council in the coming term, Denmark will continue its active participation in IMO’s committees and working groups. Denmark will keep promoting the priorities underpinning its candidacy, including strengthened maritime safety, improved global regulation, seafarer well-being, and digitalization and green transition in shipping.

“Denmark’s international engagement does not hinge on a Council seat. We will continue to be a strong and constructive voice in the IMO and work closely with other member states to ensure a safe, sustainable and innovative maritime future,” adds Brian Adrian Wessel.

In Category A, there was a contested election, which resulted in Russia not being elected.

Facts
  • IMO is the UN's specialized agency for shipping, tasked with setting global standards for ship safety and the protection of the world's oceans.
  • IMO has 176 member states. Of these, 40 countries sit on the IMO Council, which can be considered the organization's board of directors.
  • The Council is responsible for the organization's strategy and budget.
  • Elections to the Council are held every two years during IMO's Assembly.
  • Denmark was first elected to the Council in 2001.
  • Category A (major flag states): China - Greece - Italy - Japan - Liberia - Norway - South Korea - United Kingdom - USA
  • Category B (major port states): Australia - Brazil - Canada - France - Germany - India - Netherlands - Spain - Sweden - UAE
  • Category C (geographical representation): Bahamas - Belgium - Chile - Cyprus - Egypt - Finland - Indonesia - Jamaica - Malaysia - Malta - Mexico - Morocco - Nigeria - Peru - Philippines - Qatar - Saudi Arabia - Singapore - South Africa - Türkiye

Contact

Danish Maritime Authority