The Bahamas has launched a campaign seeking re-election to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said The Bahamas has a well-established reputation as a ship registry, making it an ‘excellent’ country for this line of business.
The IMO is comprised of 40-member states in three different categories: Category A with 10 states with the largest interest in providing international shipping services; Category B with 10 states with the largest interest in providing seaborne trade and, Category C where 20 states, not elected in (A) or (B), which have special interest in maritime transport or navigation and whose election to the council will ensure the representation of all major geographical areas.
The Bahamas has served on the IMO Council from 1991 – 1995 and from l999 to the present. A council term is two years, with The Bahamas seeking re-election for the term 2016-2017.
The IMO Council election will take place during the 29th regular session of the Assembly of the IMO in London from November 23 to December 2.
Currently, The Bahamas has over 1600 registered vessels, consisting of some 62 million gross tons, and was the fifth highest financial tonnage contributor to the IMO for the past year.
