Panama’s Arsenio Dominguez and Kenya’s Nancy Karigithu have emerged as early runners in the race to become the next secretary general of the International Maritime Organization.

Karigithu’s candidature will be welcomed by those who think it is time the IMO is led by a woman for the first time since it was established in 1958.

She announced her intention to stand for secretary general at the Wista annual conference in Geneva in October.