In September 2022, during its twenty-eighth session, the IMSO Assembly elected Mr. Laurent Parenté as Director General fora four-year term commencing on 15 April 2023. In this capacity, Mr. Parenté serves as the legal representative of the Organization and Chief ExecutiveOfficer of the IMSO Directorate.
The International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1976 under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating international maritime transport. IMSO plays a vital role in overseeing the satellite communications component of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System(GMDSS), specifically ensuring the compliance of satellite service providers such as Inmarsat and Iridium with international standards. Additionally, IMSO audits the Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system, both of which are critical for maritime safety and security and operate under the framework of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
Before joining IMSO on 15 April 2023, Mr. Parenté served as the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Vanuatu to the IMO and the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC Funds) since 2005, and to IMSO since 2008. During his tenure, he acquired extensive expertise in maritime safety, security, and environmental protection regulations and policies, while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to advocating for the interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He actively worked to ensure their meaningful participation in global maritime governance, particularly within IMO’s technical and environmental committees.
Mr. Parenté held several prominent leadership roles, including Chair of Committee 1 of the IMO Assembly's 32nd session (2021), Vice-Chair and Chair of the IMO Technical Cooperation Committee (2016–2023), and Vice-Chair and Chair of the IMSO Advisory Committee(2016–2018). Notably, he played a pivotal role in representing Vanuatu at the IMO, leading the country’s successful first candidacy for the IMO Council for the 2022–2023 biennium. This achievement marked a historic milestone, as Vanuatu became the first Pacific Small Island Developing State to be elected to the Council and the smallest country by GDP to attain such recognition.
Since 2020, Mr. Parenté has also served asa member of the Board of Governors of the World Maritime University (WMU),contributing to the advancement of maritime education and research. Mr. Laurent Parenté holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law, a Master’s degree in Law, a university degree in International Relations, and two postgraduate degrees in International Law and International Business and Negotiations.
In September 2022, during its twenty-eighth session, the IMSO Assembly elected Mr. Laurent Parenté as Director General fora four-year term commencing on 15 April 2023. In this capacity, Mr. Parenté serves as the legal representative of the Organization and Chief ExecutiveOfficer of the IMSO Directorate.
The International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1976 under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating international maritime transport. IMSO plays a vital role in overseeing the satellite communications component of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System(GMDSS), specifically ensuring the compliance of satellite service providers such as Inmarsat and Iridium with international standards. Additionally, IMSO audits the Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system, both of which are critical for maritime safety and security and operate under the framework of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
Before joining IMSO on 15 April 2023, Mr. Parenté served as the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Vanuatu to the IMO and the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC Funds) since 2005, and to IMSO since 2008. During his tenure, he acquired extensive expertise in maritime safety, security, and environmental protection regulations and policies, while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to advocating for the interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He actively worked to ensure their meaningful participation in global maritime governance, particularly within IMO’s technical and environmental committees.
Mr. Parenté held several prominent leadership roles, including Chair of Committee 1 of the IMO Assembly's 32nd session (2021), Vice-Chair and Chair of the IMO Technical Cooperation Committee (2016–2023), and Vice-Chair and Chair of the IMSO Advisory Committee(2016–2018). Notably, he played a pivotal role in representing Vanuatu at the IMO, leading the country’s successful first candidacy for the IMO Council for the 2022–2023 biennium. This achievement marked a historic milestone, as Vanuatu became the first Pacific Small Island Developing State to be elected to the Council and the smallest country by GDP to attain such recognition.
Since 2020, Mr. Parenté has also served asa member of the Board of Governors of the World Maritime University (WMU),contributing to the advancement of maritime education and research. Mr. Laurent Parenté holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law, a Master’s degree in Law, a university degree in International Relations, and two postgraduate degrees in International Law and International Business and Negotiations.
