The Republic of Panama has officially launched its campaign for re-election to Category “A” of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 term. The announcement was made on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, during a ceremony at the Royal Air Force Club in London, United Kingdom.
In November, IMO member states will elect the 40 countries that will make up the Council for the next biennium. Of those, only ten will be chosen for Category “A”—reserved for states with the greatest interest in providing international maritime services. Panama will contend for one of these seats alongside China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Russian Federation.
With over a century of experience in ship registration, Panama is widely regarded as a global maritime leader. Its registry includes more than 8,600 flagged vessels, making it the world’s largest. The country also plays a vital role in global trade, connecting more than 140 maritime routes through the Panama Canal, which handles nearly 6% of the world’s commerce. Its ports on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts collectively move over 9.5 million TEUs annually.
Panama’s commitment to equity and inclusion is also reflected in its workforce, with women making up nearly 46% of staff at the Panama Maritime Authority.
“These geostrategic strengths are matched by our forward-looking vision,” said Her Excellency Ginette Testa, Panama’s Permanent Representative to the IMO, who led the official presentation. “We are positioning Panama as Latin America’s green hydrogen hub—driving the transition to alternative fuels, clean technologies, and innovative solutions for a decarbonized maritime future.”
Testa concluded by respectfully calling on IMO member states to support Panama’s continued presence in Category “A,” underscoring the country’s commitment to playing an active, inclusive, and constructive role within the organization.
The event opened with remarks from Panama’s Alternate Representative I to the IMO, Anays Berrocal, followed by a welcome address by His Excellency Guido Martinelli, Panama’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Iceland.
The ceremony was attended by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez, along with ministers, ambassadors, permanent representatives of IMO member states, and members of Panama’s Permanent Mission to the IMO, including Alternate Representative II Verónica Herrera and Technical Advisor Rafael López.
Panama has held a seat in Category “A” of the IMO Council since 2003—an enduring testament to its leadership and dedication to the international maritime community.
For over two decades, Panama has actively supported the IMO’s core objectives: ensuring maritime safety, protecting the marine environment, and safeguarding the lives of seafarers around the world.
