Mexico Reelected to IMO Council for 2026–2027 Term

Mexico was reelected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category “C” for the 2026–2027 term, during the 34th session of the IMO General Assembly in London. The renewed mandate strengthens Mexico’s position, alongside that of Latin America and the Caribbean, in shaping the regulations and decisions that will define the future of international maritime transport.

A founding member of the IMO and an active participant since 1954, Mexico has served on the council since 1978 and without interruption since 1989. Over the decades, the country has played a key role in advancing international frameworks on maritime safety, marine environmental protection, technical cooperation, and seafarer training.

For the upcoming term, the Mexican Navy (SEMAR), Mexico’s National Maritime Authority, will continue to work jointly with the Foreign Ministry to uphold ocean protection and promote safe, efficient maritime transport. Authorities underscore that maritime activity is essential not only for national development, but also for global economic dynamism and trade flows.

Mexico reaffirmed its commitment to promoting an agenda centered on people and oceans, prioritizing decarbonization, zero-emission goals, and climate action aligned with IMO objectives. This includes stronger efforts to protect marine biodiversity, enhance ecosystem resilience, and ensure that the global maritime sector moves toward a just and inclusive energy transition.

Mexico will also advocate for the rights of seafarers amid rising cases of abandonment worldwide, and intensify efforts to combat transnational crimes committed via maritime routes. The country pledged to champion gender equality and diversity in the maritime sector, while promoting technical cooperation to strengthen capacities across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The newly elected IMO Council will convene for its 136th session on Dec. 4, where it will designate its Chair and Vice-Chair for the 2026–2027 biennium.

Mexico’s longstanding participation in the IMO highlights its commitment to international standards on maritime safety and environmental protection. The country has hosted major IMO events, including World Maritime Day in 2014, and has earned global recognition, such as the International Maritime Prize awarded twice.

This reelection follows Mexico’s 2023 renewal as an IMO Council member for the 2024–2025 term, reaffirming its alignment with the organization’s goals on ESG, safety, and the protection of navigation, reports MBN.

Maritime transport is the backbone of Mexico’s cargo movement. The Mexican government has launched an ambitious national plan to modernize and expand six key ports, Ensenada, Manzanillo-Cuyutlan, Lazaro Cardenas, Acapulco, Veracruz, and Progreso, combining MX$55.2 billion (US$2.96 billion) in public funding with MX$241 billion (US$12.9 billion) in private investment, MBN reports.

According to CANACAR, 29.63% of Mexico’s domestic cargo moved by sea in 2023, while ports handled a record 9.38 million TEUs in 2024. Of this, 99% corresponded to international trade, equivalent to 59.1 million t of containerized cargo, reports MBN.