Subscribe to RSS feedSeat at IMO looks set for Asian owners
ASIAN shipowners are on course to get a seat at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at the end of this year, in a move that should significantly strengthen their influence at the United Nations body.
The Asian Shipowners’ Forum (ASF), which represents eight shipowner groups including those in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, south-east Asia, Japan and South Korea, applied for IMOobserver status last year.
IMO secretary-general Efthimios Mitropoulos said the application would be considered by the IMO council meeting from June 29.
Assuming the council approved the application, Mr Mitropoulos said it would then go before the full IMO assembly, taking place between November 23 and December 4, for the final green light.
Speaking after the IMO diplomatic conference in Hong Kong, he agreed the forum could become an IMO observer by the end of this year.
If successful, the ASF will join organisations such as Intertanko and the International Association of Maritime Universities, which already have observer status at the IMO.
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