The IMO Council has appointed Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco of the Republic of Panama, for an initial 4-year term as next Secretary-General, as of 1 January 2024, subject to the Assembly’s approval.
As global shipping is under major shifts such as decarbonization and digitalization, the new Secretary-General is expected to face challenges as well as opportunities to change and reform the global shipping industry. Arsenio Dominguez is expected to rise to the challenge, and efficiently chair the International Maritime Organization.
Arsenio Dominguez’ work for the IMO
- Arsenio Dominguez currently serves as Director, Marine Environment Division of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), having served previously as Director, Administrative Division and Chief of Staff.
- Prior to coming to joining IMO he worked for the Panama Maritime Authority starting in 1998 as Head of the Regional Technical and Documentation Office, and as Alternate Representative and Technical Adviser of Panama to IMO from 2004 to 2014.
- In July 2014 he was appointed as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Panama to IMO.
- From 1998 to 2017, Mr Dominguez represented Panama at IMO.
- Arsenio Dominguez served as Chair of IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) from 2014 to 2017, having previously served as Vice-chair from 2012 to 2013.
- He also served as Chair of the Technical Committee at the 29th IMO Assembly in 2015, Chair of IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Working Group on Maritime Security and Piracy from 2010 to 2014, and as Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee of Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers (DSC) from 2009 to 2011.
We look forward to working with Arsenio Dominguez (Panama), and know that Dominguez will lead with equal measures of authority, purpose and compassion. It will be a pleasure to tackle these challenges head on with Dominguez for a better and safer future for our industry and its people.
… said Guy Platten, Secretary General if the International Chamber of Shipping
Seven IMO Member States had been nominated as a candidate for the post of Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The term of the current Secretary-General, Kitack Lim of the Republic of Korea, expires on 31 December 2023.
Kitack steered the International Maritime Organization (IMO) successfully through challenging times, calmly and with direction, and everyone at the International Chamber of Shipping wishes Kitack every success in his future endeavours.
… added Guy Platten
