ع
The Saudi Transport General Authority dispatched a delegation to the 137th session of the International Maritime Organization Council held in London. Eng. Fawaz Al-Sahli, president of the authority, headed the group during the meetings that ran from July 6 to 10, 2026. Discussions focused on maritime efficiency along with safety and security issues according to the authority. The participation allowed Saudi officials to engage directly with global counterparts on policy matters.
Bilateral meetings took place with representatives from multiple countries and maritime organizations throughout the session. These engagements aimed to reinforce partnerships and share expertise in key areas of maritime development. Saudi representatives presented updates on the kingdom’s sector advancements during the talks. The Transport General Authority reported that the meetings helped solidify ties and open avenues for further collaboration.
Saudi Arabia maintains an extensive record of adherence to IMO standards. The kingdom has acceded to 40 conventions and protocols issued by the organization covering maritime safety, marine environmental protection and maritime security according to the Transport General Authority. This level of engagement positions the country to influence international regulations effectively. The authority’s leadership of the delegation builds on this foundation of active involvement.
The IMO Council acts as the primary decision-making body between the organization’s biennial assemblies. Its 137th session examined reports from technical committees and addressed strategic planning along with resource management an IMO summary indicated. Protection of vital shipping lanes featured among the agenda topics considered by member states. Saudi Arabia holds one of the 40 seats on the council a 2023 Asharq Al-Awsat report noted.
Saudi officials highlighted the kingdom’s investments in port infrastructure and maritime services during the proceedings. The delegation stressed the strategic geographic location that makes the country a critical node in global trade routes. Such contributions support broader objectives to establish the kingdom as a leading logistics hub the Transport General Authority stated in its overview of IMO activities. Coordination with the IMO remains ongoing across several technical fronts.
Earlier Saudi participation in IMO council sessions followed a comparable approach of constructive engagement. A delegation attended the 129th session in 2023 where the country’s council membership was reaffirmed according to contemporary reporting. This pattern illustrates sustained efforts to shape maritime policies through multilateral forums. The latest session concluded with decisions expected to guide future IMO priorities.
