The IMO has unanimously selected Mr Lim Ki-tack of the Republic of Korea as the new Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), with effect from January 1, 2016, for an initial term of four years.
Mr Lim was President of Busan Port Authority until the end of July, 2015 and served as the Republic of Korea’s Deputy Permanent Representative to IMO from 2006 to 2009.
Addressing the Assembly, Mr Lim pledged his commitment to undertake his duties with devotion and prudence throughout his tenure.
Mr Lim said: “[The] IMO currently faces an array of challenges and issues such as [the] implementation of [the] Member State Audit Scheme, emissions from ships, application of Goal Based Standards, increasing traffic in polar waters, introduction of e-Navigation, the Ballast Water Management Convention, counter-piracy activities, cyber security and safety standards for passenger ships and fishing vessels.
Read a Technical by the new Secretary-General of the IMO
“However, with the collective wisdom and insight of all Member States and stakeholders, I am confident that we can withstand the storm and resolve such difficult issues. I hope we can come together as one to pave a new future for IMO, based on the noble efforts and achievements to date.”
The IMO Council, which is made up of 40 member states, elected Mr. Lim as Secretary-General in June, 2015 subject to the approval of the assembly, which is meeting until December 2.
Fact File: Mr Lim began attending IMO meetings as part of the Republic of Korea’s delegation in 1986, actively participating in maritime safety and environmental protection issues. From 1992, he engaged in activities to promote maritime safety through effective implementation of IMO conventions in his country and other IMO Member States in the Asian region.
