Seatrade-Maritime: Why small states matter in maritime diplomacy

Published by Seatrade-Maritime

By H.E. Alexander Williams, Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the International Maritime Organization and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom

International shipping depends on countries accepting a common set of rules. Vessels move between different jurisdictions because states have agreed on how safety, security, environmental protection and freedom of navigation should be upheld. Without that shared framework, the maritime sector would face uncertainty, fragmentation and competing national requirements.

An international order governed by agreed rules is especially important for smaller countries. It protects their interests and ensures that differences are negotiated within a framework that all states are expected to respect, regardless of their economic or military power. The International Maritime Organization provides the forum for those negotiations on matters relating to international shipping and safety at sea.

Smaller states can make an important contribution to this process when they are active, consistent and technically engaged. Influence at the IMO is not determined solely by the size of a country’s economy or fleet. It can also be built through collaboration, coalition-building and a willingness to participate fully in the technical committees and working groups where international maritime policy is developed.

Over its 50 years of IMO membership, Jamaica has sought to provide a consistent voice for the Caribbean, Small Island Developing States and other vulnerable economies. Our engagement has included matters such as resilient international shipping rules, climate change, pollution from ships, seafarer welfare, equitable employment opportunities for seafarers from SIDS and the increased participation of women in the maritime sector. Jamaica has also continued to defend the principle of freedom of navigation.

Our contribution is supported by Jamaica’s wider maritime position. Kingston hosts the headquarters of the International Seabed Authority, Jamaica is home to the Caribbean Maritime University and the country occupies an important location for shipping moving through the Caribbean. These responsibilities give Jamaica a direct interest in the future of international maritime governance and the protection of the marine environment.

Jamaica remains a friend to all countries and a satellite of none. This gives us the latitude to seek cooperation and compromise with states holding different positions. Multilateral negotiations are rarely straightforward, particularly when countries are responding to different economic circumstances, political pressures and national priorities. Progress depends on states being prepared to listen, identify shared interests and continue working towards outcomes that command broad support.

That is where smaller countries can play a valuable role. Collaboration and coalition-building allow them to ensure that their concerns are properly considered while also helping to maintain dialogue across the wider membership. Their participation strengthens the legitimacy of the decisions reached because international rules must reflect the circumstances of all states expected to apply them.

Jamaica’s 50 years at the IMO show that smaller states do not have to remain on the margins of maritime diplomacy. With consistent representation, technical knowledge and constructive engagement, they can help shape international discussions and ensure that the global maritime system continues to work for countries of every size.