Finland elected as member of the IMO Council

On 1 December 2023, the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) voted on the Members of the Council for 2024-2025. Finland was elected as one of the 40 Council Member States.

“I am very pleased with the result of the vote, which is also the result of sustained efforts. Thanks for the work are due to all operators in the Finnish maritime sector,” Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne says.

“As a Member of the Council, Finland will have better opportunities to influence the development of the sector,” Minister Ranne says.

Finland emphasised new technologies and education

In its campaign, Finland stressed three goals:

1. Sustainable shipping – a necessity and an opportunity
2. New technologies – harnessing the potential to promote safety and wellbeing
3. Education and equality at the heart of maritime transport.

As a Council member, Finland's opportunities to promote these goals, among other things, will improve. 

IMO plays a key role in developing international rules for maritime transport. The Council, consisting of IMO Member States, provides comprehensive guidance for the Organization’s work between the Assembly sessions.

Currently, IMO has 175 Member States. Finland has been a Member since 1959, and a Council Member most recently in 1998–1999 and 2000–2001.

Next steps

The meeting of the IMO Assembly will continue until 6 December 2023 in London. The new Council will start its work on 1 January 2024.

Inquiries:

Jani Haapsaari, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 50 500 1903, [email protected]

Anita Mäkinen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to the IMO, tel.  +358 401 624 592, [email protected]