Saudi Arabia has earned a place on the 40-member council of the International Maritime Organization

Saudi Arabia has qualified to serve on the International Maritime Organization's 40-member council for the term of 2024–2025. In an election held on Friday at the agency's London headquarters, the Kingdom garnered 143 votes out of the 175 member states.

The UN-affiliated organisation is the worldwide maritime authority that establishes international standards to guarantee the security and safety of maritime transportation, lessen ship pollution, and carry out programmes that contribute to the preservation of the marine environment and the protection of the environment.

The triumph of the Kingdom in the vote, according to Saudi Arabia's Transport General Authority, is the result of the country's leaders' efforts and support for the growth of marine transport in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 development and diversification programme.

According to the TGA, it is "a cause for celebration" that demonstrates "unwavering commitment towards supporting initiatives aimed at safeguarding the marine ecosystem" and "a unique national achievement that propels us towards a promising future." It continued that the success is a testament to the measures the Kingdom has taken to safeguard and maintain the marine environment, and it will give the nation the chance to support the creation of international laws and regulations about international trade and maritime transportation.

According to officials, Saudi Arabia has taken a number of steps and set high goals under its national plan for transport and logistics services, which have helped the country's marine industry grow.

Taking full advantage of the Kingdom's strategic location as a meeting point between East and West and the Red Sea's role as a route through which 13 percent of global trade passes, the Kingdom aims to handle 40 million containers annually by 2030, facilitate clearing and cargo-handling procedures, and develop marine tourism through cruise ships and coastal transportation.

The Saudi Press Agency reported, on Friday, that the Saudi minister of transportation conducted discussions with various authorities in London while attending the 33rd session of the International Maritime Organisation Assembly.