In line with the Growth Plan of Blue Denmark
Denmark officially presented the Danish candidature for the IMO Council. This falls in line with the Growth Plan for the Blue Denmark, stating that Denmark will continue to be active in the international cooperation performed in the IMO.
The Danish Ambassador in London, Anne Hedensted Steffensen, officially presented the Danish candidature for the Council of the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (the IMO Council) for the period 2014-2016. Since 2001, Denmark has held a seat in the IMO Council, which is the highest IMO body. The Council has 40 members, distributed on three groups, and debates maritime subjects of a strategic and political nature.
Denmark’s support for and interest in the work of the IMO is also based on the Government’s Growth Plan for the Blue Denmark. In this plan, the Government states that Denmark will continue to work internationally for quality shipping.
Danish key issues
In the IMO, Denmark strives, inter al, to ensure global regulation in order to promote high standards, greener shipping, safety of navigation in Arctic regions and improved protection of seafarers, including in connection with piracy, measures related to the shipping industry’s climate impact and navigation in Arctic regions.
Danish candidature well received
The Danish candidature was well received by IMO Secretary General Koji Sekimizu, who expressed his recognition of the work made by Denmark in the IMO. Mr. Sekimizu looks forward to having yet another contested election for the IMO Council. The experience gained in 2011 shows that the 20 seats in the group for which Denmark is standing are much sought for. The election as such will take place at the Assembly to be held in November 2013.
IMO Council elections are held every second year. Denmark presented its candidature for the first time in 2001 and has, since then, been re-elected.
Source: Danish Maritime Authority
