IMO Council backs Arsenio Dominguez for second term as Secretary-General

The decision was announced on 4 November during the IMO Council’s 138th session in London, with members agreeing to extend Mr Dominguez’s tenure from 1 January 2028 to 31 December 2031.

The proposed extension remains subject to approval by the IMO Assembly, which is scheduled to consider the decision when it meets in late 2027.

IMO Council chairman Victor Jimenez of Spain congratulated Mr Dominguez on behalf of the Council, confirming that the recommendation would be submitted to the Assembly for formal approval.

Responding to the decision, Mr Dominguez thanked member states for their continued confidence in his leadership.

“I am deeply grateful to the members of the Council and all members of the organisation for their continued trust and support,” he said.

“I remain committed to following your guidance and contributing to our collective efforts in support of global shipping and seafarers.”

The council’s endorsement provides an early indication of member states’ support for continuity in the organisation’s leadership as the IMO continues its work on international maritime regulation, shipping decarbonisation, maritime safety and seafarer welfare.

Mr Dominguez, the IMO’s tenth Secretary-General, took office on 1 January 2024 after being elected by the 40-member Council at its 129th session in July 2023.

His initial appointment was subsequently approved by the IMO Assembly at its 33rd session in December 2023, securing his first four-year term through to 31 December 2027.

If endorsed by the Assembly in 2027, the extension would see Mr Dominguez serve eight consecutive years as head of the London-based UN specialised agency responsible for regulating international shipping.