The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has officially opened the 34th Session of the IMO Assembly, bringing together 176 Member States, three Associate Members, and observers from international organizations to discuss key maritime priorities for the next two years.

Held from 24 November to 3 December 2025 at IMO Headquarters in London, the Assembly serves as the organization’s highest governing body and convenes biennially. The meeting is preceded by the 135th Session of the IMO Council.

This year’s Assembly centers on several high-impact agenda items, including the adoption of the revised IMO Strategic Plan for 2024–2029, approval of the biennial budget and work programme for 2026–2027, and extensive discussions on safety, environmental, and regulatory matters affecting global shipping.

× ❮ ❯

Key resolutions expected to be adopted include:

●IMO Capacity Development Strategy 2025
●Updated Procedures for Port State Control
●Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2025
●Revised non-exhaustive list of obligations relevant to the III Code
●Code on Alerts and Indicators, 2025
●Updated criteria for mobile satellite communication systems under the GMDSS
●Guidelines on charges for distress, urgency, and safety communications
●Proposal on the progressive use of Arabic as an IMO working language
●Criteria for live-streaming Assembly plenary sessions

A highlight of the event is the election of the 40-Member IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, scheduled for 28 November 2025. The Council election is widely regarded as a key indicator of international influence and maritime capability among IMO Member States.

ADVERTISEMENT

× ❮ ❯

Throughout the session, delegates are expected to address issues related to global maritime safety, environmental protection, seafarer welfare, and digitalization critical themes in the post-pandemic maritime landscape.

Decisions made during Assembly 34 will shape the IMO’s strategic direction and regulatory priorities for the coming years, significantly impacting shipping nations, seafarers, manning agencies, training centers, and maritime regulators worldwide.

PHOTO COURTESY: MARINA

× ❮ ❯

Meanwhile, the Philippines participated in the IMO Assembly, headed by MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan, reaffirming the nation’s strong commitment to global maritime cooperation. Representing one of the world’s largest seafaring communities, the delegation engaged in key discussions to strengthen partnerships, advance training standards, and support the welfare and global mobility of Filipino seafarers.