The Bahamas Re-Elected to IMO Council

The Bahamas is pleased to announce its successful re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in Category C, securing an impressive 73% of the vote in a highly competitive election.  

This outcome reflects the confidence of IMO Member States in The Bahamas’ continued contributions to international maritime regulation and its commitment to supporting effective, balanced decision-making within the global maritime community. 

Re-election ensures that The Bahamas—one of the world’s leading flag States—continues to represent the interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and to advance priorities related to safety, security, environmental protection, seafarer welfare and technological innovation. 

The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) acknowledges the dedicated work of its Maritime Affairs Department, whose ongoing leadership, technical expertise, and active participation across IMO bodies underpin The Bahamas’ strong and respected presence within the Organisation. Their efforts, supported by the wider BMA team and complementing the work of the Bahamas office of the IMO Permanent Representative and other national Agencies, continue to demonstrate the nation’s professionalism and commitment to high regulatory standards. 

This re-election marks an important milestone for The Bahamas, ensuring its continued role in shaping the future of global shipping and contributing to a safe, secure, sustainable, and innovative maritime sector.  The BMA looks forward to collaborating with the IMO Secretariat, member states, shipowners and other industry stakeholders to achieve this objective. 

Photo 1: Minister of Energy and Transport, Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis casts her vote during the IMO Assembly elections, supporting The Bahamas’s bid for re-election to the IMO Council, Category “C”, for the 2026-2027 biennium. 
 
Photo 2: Seated L-R are representatives of The Bahamas: Kingsley Smith, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Transport and Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis, Minister of Energy and Transport. Standing on behalf of The Bahamas L-R are Captain Dwain Hutchinson, Managing Director & CEO of the BMA and Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO; Peter John Goulandris, Deputy Chairman of the BMA Board; Senior Commander Berne Wright, Bahamas Port Controller; and Paul Rolle, Permanent Representative of The Bahamas to the IMO.