Panama was re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in Category A during the vote held on Friday at the organization's headquarters in London. The renewal of the mandate for the 2026-2027 biennium recognizes Panama's role within the global maritime sector and its commitment to the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of international trade. Panama maintains a fleet that exceeds 8,600 flagged vessels, making it the world's largest registry. This data has been highlighted by the maritime administration as a reflection of the commitment to gender equity within the sector. The Council for the 2026-2027 period will be composed of 40 States, of which only 10 will hold a seat in Category A, reserved for the countries with the largest interests in the provision of international maritime services. Panama competed in this election against China, the United States, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Korea, and Russia, all traditional members of this group. This category brings together the States with the greatest impact on global maritime transport and is the most prestigious within IMO's governance structure. The Council, the highest executive body of the organization, supervises the work of the IMO and adopts the regulations that govern international maritime transport. Additionally, the country connects over 140 maritime routes through the Panama Canal, through which approximately 6% of global trade passes. In its port terminals, both on the Atlantic and the Pacific, 9.5 million TEUs are handled annually, with around 46% of the workforce composed of women.
