IMO Reappoints Secretary-General Dominguez
Overview
At its 138th Council session from November 2 to 6, 2026, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) decided to reappoint Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez of Panama for a new term. Japan strongly supported his reappointment, citing his work on key maritime issues, and expressed its expectations for the IMO’s importance and continued leadership. The session also addressed calls for free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and other areas, approval of financial reports, reports on the Gender Equality Award, and the selection of the next award recipient.
Key points
- The IMO Council decided to reappoint incumbent Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.
- Japan strongly supported Dominguez’s reappointment and expressed its expectations for continued leadership.
- The Council discussed important shipping routes, IMO operations, and the Gender Equality Award.
Overview
The 138th Council session was held at IMO headquarters in London, United Kingdom, from November 2 to 6, 2026. The IMO Council consists of 40 member states elected every two years and deliberates on major matters concerning ship and seafarer safety and the environment, as well as various matters related to IMO operations.
Since joining the IMO in 1958, Japan has consistently been elected to the Council and has actively participated in and contributed to its deliberations.
Details
Since taking office in January 2024, Dominguez has worked to ensure free and safe navigation in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. Japan strongly supported his reappointment on the basis of these efforts and expressed its expectations for the IMO’s importance and the Secretary-General’s continued leadership.
The Council decided to reappoint Dominguez as Secretary-General for the next term. Among the main agenda items, it called for free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and other areas to protect important maritime routes, and approved IMO financial reports. It also reported the presentation of the IMO Gender Equality Award to Momoko Kitada and selected the next year’s award recipient.