Cyprus, Denmark to Run for IMO Top Post

Cyprus and Denmark revealed their intentions to run for the top position of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which is to be decidedin June 2015.

Namely, currentSecretary General Mr. Koji Sekimizu of Japanannounced in September that he will be stepping down next year.

Cyprus Ministry of Communications and Works will raise the issue to the next Cabinet`s meeting, proposing as a candidate the Acting Director of the Department of Merchant Shipping Andreas Chrysostomou, writes the Financial Mirror.

Chrysostomou has served as chairman of the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the IMO for many years.

On the other hand, Denmark has also set sights on this highly coveted function, which brings with it great influence on global shipping industry through its regulatory framework.

The Danes plan to nominate theDanish Maritime Authority Chief,Andreas Nordseth for the position, according to industry sources.

“In principle, it will be good to see a Dane in the chair as we are a global maritime nation that is committed to quality shipping and effective global regulation to ensure a level playing field,”Anne Steffensen, the director general of theDanish Shipowners’ Association, told Reuters.

World Maritime News Staff