Australia to help navigate global shipping trade challenges

Australia is continuing more than half a century of tradition helping to address global shipping trade challenges with re-election to the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) Council.

The IMO Council helps shape safety and seafarer welfare in international shipping, works to prevent maritime and atmospheric pollution from ships and supports the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.

Australia was a founding member of the IMO and has been on the IMO Council for over 50 years.

Australia is dedicated to collaborating with other member states at the IMO to further develop and implement safety and environmental standards for international shipping.

NOTE: Australia is a member of Category B which is composed of 10 states with the largest interest in international seaborne trade.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“Australia's reappointment to the IMO Council fortifies our commitment to a sustainable and secure future for global shipping.

“We are proud to have successfully championed a range of reforms to make the Organization more open, fair, transparent and accessible to all.

“We look forward to continuing our active engagement in shaping policies that safeguard the interests of our nation and the international maritime community.

“And we’ll continue to support the IMO in meeting new challenges arising from emerging technology, global trade expansion, sustainability decarbonising international shipping.

“With our own legislated national target of net zero by 2050, Australia is an active player in advocating for the decarbonisation of international shipping – something we recently demonstrated during the IMO’s 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy negotiations.

“We would like to thank the international community who supported Australia in the re-election to the IMO Council."