WITH a jam-packed conference schedule and networking agenda, the first General Assembly of the International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) concluded on Friday (21 February) having achieved its objectives for the weeklong event in Singapore.
Among the key events for the week were the election of the IALA Industrial Members Group (IMG) and also the election for the IALA Council, leading to the first meeting of the newly formed council after the General Assembly.
The gathering last week marked IALA’s first General Assembly in its new form as an intergovernmental organisation.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority CEO Kaylene Dale said the establishment of IALA as an IGO is a milestone for the global maritime community.
“Stronger government involvement will enhance international co-operation, drive technical innovation and ensure a more consistent approach to safe and efficient navigation,” Ms Dale said.
“For Australia, IALA’s new status strengthens our ability to contribute to global standards while ensuring our region’s needs are well represented.
“With over 11,250 marine aids to navigation in our waters – managed by AMSA and state maritime agencies – we understand their critical role in safe and efficient navigation.”
Ms Dale said AMSA remains committed to supporting IALA’s mission to harmonise, decarbonise, and digitise AtoNs globally.
“As IALA enters this new era, we look forward to working with the new secretary-general, president, vice president, fellow council members, and member states to strengthen governance, drive technical innovation, and support global efforts to enhance maritime safety and sustainability.”
The first election of the week was for IALA IMG, which was introduced by IALA secretary-general Francis Zacahariae and whereby Mr Zachariae noted and commended the significant role that IALA industrial members play in in contributing knowledge, research and development in support of IALA’s strategic priorities.
The IMG election was a relatively quiet affair with the new IALA IMG made up of nine parties, including: Aatash Norcontrol Ltd, Orga BV, Arbos Plasticos, MSM, Floatex, Japan Radio Co., Ltd, Sealite (SPX), Sabik (SPX), and Australian Maritime Systems Group.
As always, the IALA Council election voting was hotly contested, with the election seeing Albania, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, People’s Republic of China, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Norway, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom voted in and joining Brazil and India on the IALA Council.
“Australia is honoured to be re-elected to the IALA Council for the 2025-2027 term and to continue shaping international standards while advocating for our region’s needs,” Ms Dale said.
“We remain committed to working with our global colleagues to advance IALA’s vision – ensuring the safe, efficient and sustainable movement of vessels for the benefit of the maritime community and the environment, well into 2027 and beyond.”
A theme highlighted during much of the General Assembly, and a theme covered extensively during the secretary-general’s speech at the IALA Gala Dinner, was the theme of the IALA family.
The IALA family brings together member states, associate members, affiliate members and affiliate industrial members to work collaboratively and without barriers in enhancing the worldwide safety of navigation and protection of the marine environment.
