UAE joins battle for Category B membership of International Maritime Organization

The United Arab Emirates is ramping up its efforts to become a member of the Executive Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), competing with 11 other leading nations, including Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina, France and Australia.

The decision to run for the second category falls in line with the UAE's ambition to be a major player in the international maritime sector, backed by its leading position on ports management.

The UAE is attempting to become a ‘Category B’ member.

H.E. Dr. Abdullah Bin Mohammed Balheif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Transport Authority for Land and Maritime, said: “The UAE has built itself a position within the maritime transport sector, based on its plans to develop world-class seaports and berths, and to ensure the operation, maintenance and construction of vessels, dry basins, finance and insurance in line with the highest global safety standards.

RELATED STORIES:

• ADSB strives for commercial fleet with port agreement

• Sulphur caps to cost box shippers billions

• Cuba: America’s next shipping hub?

“In line with this, it comes as no surprise for the UAE to become a member of the search process of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

“With the completion of the file, mechanisms and procedures required, the UAE today strongly enters the bid for membership in Category B, with the determination to continue in supporting the Organization's efforts to develop, and implement the provisions of maritime transport policy in line with the requirements of the 21st century."

A team has been set up to support the nomination of the UAE to the IMO Executive Council.

The members are scheduled to be elected at the 30th Ordinary General Meeting between 24 November and 5 December.