IMO Council Backs a Second Term for Dominguez

Council Supports Second Term

The International Maritime Organization concluded its 138th Council session in London this week with support for a second four-year term for Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. According to Maritime Executive, the Council will submit its decision to extend Dominguez’s mandate to the IMO Assembly in late 2027. The second term is not yet final: it still needs the Assembly’s approval. If approved, it would run from January 1, 2028, through December 31, 2031.

Dominguez became the IMO’s tenth Secretary-General after his election in July 2023 and began his first four-year term on January 1, 2024. He served as Panama’s alternate representative to the IMO from 2004 and as Panama’s Ambassador to the IMO from 2014. A naval architect, he has more than 25 years of experience in the maritime sector. From 2017, he directed the IMO’s Marine Environment Division and served on the organization’s Senior Management Committee.

Decarbonization Talks Ahead

Since taking office, Dominguez has sought consensus on decarbonization and the Net-Zero framework. Objections from several member states delayed adoption efforts in 2025 and earlier this year. The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 85) meets from November 30 to December 3 to seek an approach on decarbonization, alternative fuels, and a funding mechanism. According to the IMO, the second extraordinary session of MEPC, adjourned last October, is scheduled to resume on December 4, subject to discussions at MEPC 85.

Seafarer Safety and Piracy Concerns

The Council addressed violence against seafarers in geopolitical conflicts around the globe. Dominguez told the meeting that a new confirmed death brought the toll to 25 seafarers killed since the war in the Persian Gulf began. The IMO says it has confirmed at least 130 attacks on commercial shipping.

An effort with Gulf states to repatriate stranded seafarers and remove trapped vessels from the region failed after Iran continued attacking shipping. The Council condemned the attacks, called for an end to unlawful measures, and reiterated that key shipping lanes must remain open and secure.

The IMO reported a resurgence of piracy near the Gulf of Aden, with 17 attempted or actual incidents since the start of the year. Piracy has declined worldwide.

Other Council Decisions

Council members approved funding for the Secretary-General’s proposal to complete upgrades to the IMO’s Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS). The Council also approved plans to develop an e-Learning platform, with an initial £2 million set aside for the effort. The Council will hold its next meeting from July 19 to 23, 2027, at IMO Headquarters in London.