French candidacy to the IMO Council (10 December 2021) [fr]
France is applying for a renewed term on the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in Category B (States with the largest interest in international seaborne trade). The election of the Council’s members will take place in London on 10 December 2021 during the 32nd session of the IMO Assembly.
As a coastal State keen to protect the marine environment and ensure maritime safety and security, France has sat on the International Maritime Organization’s Council ever since its creation.
France has ratified almost all IMO’s instruments, including the most recent ones. It is fully committed to sustainable shipping and makes practical proposals within the Organization, particularly when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. France is currently preparing the procedure to ratify the HNS Convention, which strengthens the obligations of ship-owners transporting noxious and hazardous substances at sea.
France’s commitment is also visible in practice, through its participation in several international operations to fight piracy and illegal trafficking at sea. When it comes to protecting the marine environment, France has created marine protected areas that represent 22% of the waters under its jurisdiction.
France’s candidacy is motivated by its desire to continue working in cooperation with other States within the International Maritime Organization to promote sustainable shipping, the safety and security of international shipping and environmental protection, through an ambitious and pragmatic maritime policy.
In a demonstration of its commitment to maritime affairs, France will host the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (formerly the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities) from 2022, the work of which is renowned in the field of marine safety.
Key points of the French candidacy
France’s candidacy to re-election in Category B of the IMO Council – brief (PDF, 99.5 KB)
For further information:
Permanent Representation of France to the International Maritime Organization: website (omi.delegfrance.org) and Twitter feed (@franceomi).