The Central American Commission on Maritime Transport (COCATRAM), together with the Maritime Authorities that make up the Regional Operational Network for the Cooperation of Central American and Dominican Republic Maritime Authorities (ROCRAM-CA), played an active and high-level role during the 34th Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The event took place from 24 November to 3 December 2025 at IMO Headquarters in London.
As the IMO’s supreme governing body, the Assembly convened 176 Member States and observers to adopt the Organization’s work programme and budget, as well as to elect the 40 Council members for the 2026–2027 biennium. Within this framework, COCATRAM and ROCRAM-CA developed a strategic agenda aimed at strengthening technical cooperation and enhancing thepresence of the Central American region within the international maritime community.
Throughout the Assembly, the delegation held a series of high-level courtesy and working meetings with senior IMO officials and Member State delegations. Key engagements included:
1.-Courtesy visit to IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Domínguez
COCATRAM and ROCRAM-CA representatives met with the Secretary-General to discuss regional priorities in technical cooperation and institutional development. The delegation reaffirmed the region’s commitment to implementing international instruments on maritime safety, environmental protection, and the facilitation of maritime transport.
2.-Meetings with the IMO Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division
The delegation held an official meeting with Dr. José Matheickal, Director of the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division, followed by discussions with Mr. Carlos Salgado, Head of the Latin America and Caribbean Section.
These meetings provided an opportunity to review progress under the Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) in Central America and to coordinate future actions on technical assistance and capacity-building under the current IMO–COCATRAM Memorandum of Understanding.
3.-Protocol greetings to the Ambassadors of Guatemala and Honduras
ROCRAM-CA representatives conveyed official greetings to both Ambassadors, acknowledging the valuable support provided by their diplomatic missions to regional maritime and port priorities.
4.-Meeting with SICA Ambassadors accredited to the IMO
COCATRAM briefed the diplomatic missions on its role in supporting ITCP implementation in Central America and the Dominican Republic. The Ambassadors expressed their support for regional maritime integration initiatives and for the cooperation efforts promoted through the Organization.
5.-Bilateral meeting with the Delegation of Malaysia
COCATRAM’s Pro Tempore President, Volney Guinard Estripeaut, together with ROCRAM-CA representatives, met with the Malaysian delegation, a recognized sponsor of IMO initiatives. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in strategic areas such as maritime safety, training, and technical assistance.
The 34th IMO Assembly addressed essential matters, including the adoption of the 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, the 2026–2027 budget, the election of the new Council, and the approval of various resolutions related to audits, port State control, maritime communications, capacity development, and institutional procedures.
The active participation of COCATRAM and ROCRAM-CA underscores the region’s strong commitment to international maritime governance, the implementation of global standards, and the strengthening of multilateral relations that foster the sustainable development of the maritime and port sectors in Central America and the Dominican Republic.