DE4 | Chile and the IMO: Leadership in Global Maritime Security and Sustainability
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The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations System responsible for establishing appropriate, fair, and effective standards and instruments related to maritime safety, environmental protection, and pollution prevention. Its importance is underscored by the fact that 90% of global goods transport is conducted by sea, recognizing this mode as the most efficient and cost-effective transportation system worldwide.
This organization has 176 member states (including almost all UN member states) and 3 associate members. Its headquarters is located in London, United Kingdom, and it was established through a convention adopted in Geneva in 1948, which came into force in 1958. Since then, it has operated as the specialized agency of the United Nations, tasked with promoting cooperation between governments and the maritime transport industry.
Its governing body is the Assembly, composed of all member states. This body meets every two years in regular sessions and is responsible for strategically directing the organization. To this end, it must approve the Strategic Plan, the associated work program, and define the financial regime. Additionally, the Assembly is responsible for electing the members of the Council, which acts as the high-level governing body, overseeing and directing the activities of the IMO between Assembly sessions, with the mission of ensuring the proper execution of the Strategic Plan to guarantee the achievement of the organization’s objectives.
The Council is composed of 40 elected member states, grouped into three categories: Category A, which includes the 10 states with the greatest interest in providing international maritime services; Category B, which groups the 10 states with the highest interests in international maritime trade; and Category C, which comprises 20 states with special interests in maritime transport or navigation, ensuring that the participation of these countries guarantees balanced geographical representation.
Chile ratified the Constitutive Convention of the International Maritime Organization in 1972, officially becoming a member state from that milestone. Similarly, since 2001, our country has been part of the Council without interruption, reflecting sustained recognition of its active participation, technical leadership, and commitment to global and regional maritime development.
The IMO works in close coordination with the United Nations system, sharing common objectives in sustainability, international security, climate change, and ocean protection, enjoying technical and regulatory autonomy, while being required to report periodically to the UN General Assembly and actively cooperating with other international organizations.
This article provides a detailed analysis of the structure of the IMO and the strategic benefits of participating in it. Furthermore, it issues a call to action for professionals in the national maritime sector, highlighting the importance of strengthening capacities, actively participating in international forums, and contributing to the development of sustainable and effective maritime governance.
