Supporting Organisations

The Admiralty Solicitors Group was formed to promote standards in the practice of English maritime law. Member firms are committed to the development of England as a maritime legal centre embracing all aspects of shipping. The ASG discusses issues affecting English maritime law, develops standard wordings, is represented on many Industry committees/working parties and offers a panel of experienced practitioners to act as arbitrators and mediators.

The African Shipowners Association is made up of Africans who own and or operate ships. Our Mission is promoting the development and growth of the African Blue Economy.

BIMCO is the world’s largest international shipping association, with 2,200 members in around 130 countries. Our global membership includes shipowners, operators, managers, brokers and agents. Our vision is to be the chosen partner trusted to provide leadership to the global industry. Our mission is to provide expert knowledge and practical advice to safeguard and add value to our members’ businesses.

As the leading trade association for the UK’s marine industry, British Marine represents over 1,500 members drawn from the leisure marine, superyacht, small commercial marine and passenger boat sectors, with most member companies being small and medium-sized businesses. From technical support and expert advice to training, lobbying and high-profile events, British Marine delivers its members a host of services and business opportunities.

The British Ports Association represents the interests of its members to the UK government, the EU and a range of stakeholders. The BPA comprises a broad cross-section of port types in terms of ownership, size and operations located throughout the UK.

CSAL members represent a large proportion of UK-based Chinese shipping interests. Supported by the Baltic Exchange, CSAL brings Chinese professionals in shipping and related markets and services together, for informative events in London. We provide an established network for Chinese companies, looking to further their UK business relationships.

CIMAC is the leading global non-profit association promoting the development of ship propulsion, train drive and power generation. The association consists of National Member Associations and Corporate Members in America, Asia and Europe. CIMAC provides a forum for technical interchange with all parties interested in piston engines, gas turbine systems, non-shaftline propulsion systems, automation and controls, system integration and digitalization solutions.

CIRM is the principal international association for marine electronics. Members include electronic equipment manufacturers, suppliers, system operators and service providers covering the whole field of maritime navigation, communications and information systems.

The Clean Shipping Alliance (CSA) represents a group of leading companies from the commercial shipping and cruise industries that have been leaders in emission control efforts and have made significant investments in research and analysis, funding and committing resources to comply with 2020 fuel requirements through the development and use of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS).

CLIA UK & Ireland is a member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA is engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise holidays with thousands of travel agency and travel agent member.

CommodityThursdays are monthly casual networking drinks for the shipping and commodity trading industry. Come along, connect, share ideas, and build relationships in a fun casual environmentCommodityThursdays occur regularly in global commodity trading and shipping hubs such as London, Geneva, Zug and Singapore, with many new locations coming soon. For more details visit our website

The Connecticut Maritime Association is a non-profit organisation built by its members for its members. It is an Association made of individuals representing every aspect of shipping and international trade. Over 1,400 members worldwide, an annual conference and trade show attracting 2,500 attendees, myriad social events and the CMA Education Foundation all make for a vibrant, ever-growing association.

The Council on Geostrategy is a Westminster based think tank dedicated to generating a new generation of geostrategic thinking for a more competitive age. Our non-profit organisation focuses on shaping British strategic ambition in an international environment increasingly defined by geopolitical competition and the environmental crisis so that the United Kingdom is best able to succeed and prosper in the twenty-first century. We have a particular focus on Britain’s naval power and reach, and a broad focus on free and open nations in the Euro-Atlantic, the Indo-Pacific, and Polar regions.

CSO Alliance provides a global, members-only risk management platform for CSOs from all shipping sectors to drive best practice and combat crime.

The Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems Association represents 80% of all suppliers and sub-suppliers of marine sulphur scrubbers. EGCSA’s ethos of transparency, openness, and ethical conduct has led the way in supporting technology that publishes its performance enabling continuous verification of emissions compliance. EGCSA is supporitng the development of scrubber technology to remove other harmful pollutants and the capture and sequestration of CO2. No matter what fuels are used in the future, EGCSA members will have solutions to prevent harmful emissions, protecting human health and the environment.

The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), founded in 1965 is the trade association representing the national shipowners’ associations of the EU and Norway (close to 99% of the EEA fleet or about 20% of the world fleet). Our aim is to promote the interests of European shipping so that the industry can best serve European and international trade and commerce in a competitive free enterprise environment to the benefit of shippers and consumers and help formulate EU policy on critical maritime transport-related issues.

Gafta is an international trade association representing organisations trading globally in agri-commodities, including grain, rice, animal feed, pulses, spices and general produce. Gafta represents the trade through global policy expertise, contracts, training, arbitration, and key industry data. Gafta has over 1800 member companies in 95 countries who benefit from discounts on Gafta services and extensive networking opportunities.

The GREAT legal services campaign promotes the strength and breadth of the UK’s legal services offer overseas. It aims to facilitate growth for UK legal services in high potential markets, expanding business networks and generating export wins for our law firms and chambers.

The Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee, (GSCC) is an organisation founded in London in 1935, comprising membership of firms based in the United Kingdom representing Greek shipowning interests.

HEMEXPO – Hellenic Marine Equipment Manufacturers and Exporters – is a leading suppliers and exporters association for the shipping sector, representing Greek maritime technology specialists worldwide. Drawing on our shipping nation heritage, HEMEXPO brings together world class equipment and technical services used in the construction, maintenance and upgrading of ships and other marine structures.

Human Rights at Sea is a UK-registered charitable NGO and global catalyst for raising international awareness of human rights abuses at sea delivering social justice through legal and policy development.

Humber Marine and Renewables is the voice of maritime and offshore sectors, representing more than 200 innovative companies. We create new business opportunities regionally, nationally and globally. We are a highly influential, not-for-profit business, focused on revitalising the ‘blue economy’ integral to the offshore wind supply chain in the Humber, as well as the wider business activities of the Humber ports of Hull, Grimsby, Goole and Immingham.

The overall objective of the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN) is the promotion of safety at sea and the protection of the marine environment. It operates several commercial subsidiaries, generating revenue which is re-invested in maritime hard and soft infrastructure initiatives. The Middle East Navigation Aids Services (MENAS) is part of the IFAN Group.

The Association provides information on Indian maritime matters, promote exchange of ideas for its development and in general to propagate interest in these matters in the United Kingdom. IMA UK membership represents almost every sector of the maritime industry.

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers London & South East Branch is the largest and oldest branch within the institute and are focused on both the continuing professional education of our members and on providing them with networking opportunities.

The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) is an international professional body and learned society for all marine professionals. The IMarEST is the largest marine organisation of its kind with a worldwide membership based in over 120 countries.

INTERCARGO provides the forum where quality dry bulk shipowners, managers and operators are informed about, discuss and share concerns on key topics and regulatory challenges, especially in relation to safety, the environment and operational excellence. INTERCARGO represents dry cargo shipping interests at IMO, other industry fora and the broader business context.

Today InterManager represents ship and crew managers, as well as associated organisations, from around the world. Representing over 4,000 vessels and over 250,000 seafarers, InterManager has a respected global representation. In its bid to ensure sustainability and quality, full members must establish, implement and maintain a quality management system in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9001:2000 for all activities undertaken by the organisation.

Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, IACS makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development. More than 90% of the world’s cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance Rules and standards set by the twelve Member Societies of IACS.

The International Association of Ports and Harbors is the global ports’ forum for industry collaboration and excellence. IAPH represents 170 port authorities worldwide and about 90 port-related companies and organisation.

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) is the voice of the global bunker industry and represents all stakeholders across the industry value chain. Our membership includes ship owners/operators, bunker suppliers, traders, brokers, barging companies, storage companies, surveyors, port authorities, credit reporting companies, lawyers, P&I clubs, equipment manufacturers, shipping journalists and marine consultants. Today we have members in more than 80 countries.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for shipowners and operators, representing all sectors and trades and over 80% of the world merchant fleet.

IFSMA, founded in 1975, currently represents 10,500 Shipmasters through associations and individual Shipmasters. Some of its most important work is at the various IMO Committee and Sub-committee meetings where it is recognised as an NGO. It also represents shipmasters at the ILO. Its motto is Unity for Safety at Sea.

IMPA is the global organisation representing those working in the maritime supply chain management function. The organisation provides education, resources and events for the industry and its membership.

IMPA promotes professionally sound and safe pilotage by bringing together pilots’ associations from around the world in order to formulate views and policies that are both convincing and practical to implement. IMPA also has a formal voice in relevant international maritime fora, particularly at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) where it has had consultative membership since 1973.

The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) is the international charity focused on preventing loss of life in waters around the world. Working with members in more than 50 countries, including both government and non-governmental search and rescue organisations, IMRF works to improve maritime search and rescue capability around the globe.

The International Port Community Systems Association is the only global association representing the electronic exchange of data in Ports and has members ranging from Port Community Systems Operators in both air and sea, to Single Window Operators and Sea and Air Port Authorities. Our members exchange in excess of 40m electronic messages per day and over 500m TEUs go through their systems in the over 200 ports worldwide that they operate in.

The International Salvage Union (ISU) is the sole representative organisation for the international marine salvage industry with a membership of 58 marine salvage companies from 34 different countries plus over 80 associate and affiliate members. Membership of the ISU is restricted to those companies with a record of successful salvage and pollution prevention.

International Seafarers Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN) is an international NGO and UK registered charity and our focus is the welfare of the 1.5 million seafarers around the world. We are a membership organisation and we work with a range of bodies including PandI Clubs, shipping companies, ports, unions, welfare organisations, and governments.

I.S.E.S., the International Ship Engineering Service Association was founded in 1963, providing Repairs, Service and Equipment to the Merchant Marine and Offshore Industries in all major ports worldwide. ISES is essentially a non-profit enterprise that exists to co-ordinate and market the international activities of its member companies.

ISSA is the international association representing nearly 2,000 ship suppliers throughout the world. We have 40 national associations of ship suppliers as full ISSA members and associate members in 51 other countries where no national association exists.

The International Windship Association (IWSA) facilitates and promotes wind propulsion for commercial shipping worldwide and brings together all parties in the development of a windship sector to shape industry and government attitudes and policies.

INTERTANKO has been the voice of independent tanker owners since 1970. A professional and respected Association, it champions an industry dedicated to support global energy networks by delivering safe, efficient and environmentally sound transport services that keep the world economy turning.

As well as being the world’s specialist insurance and reinsurance market, Lloyd’s supports the international maritime sector by managing the Lloyd’s Agency network – a global network that provides marine surveying and claims support services, and Lloyd’s Open Form – an internationally recognised salvage agreement that enables prompt mobilisation of salvage services.

The London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) is the world’s leading association of maritime arbitrators. Based in London, serving the maritime industry worldwide, it has over 800 members in total, with its arbitrating members handling more than 2,700 new cases and issuing over 500 arbitration awards annually.

LM3C, provides an alternative to traditional maritime industry networking, with representation in London, Brussels, Bahrain, Singapore and Melbourne.Bringing together executives and graduates across the industry, the ethos is integrity, good manners, kindness, humility, a respect for vulnerability.LM3C hosts post conference evenings for the Terminal Operators Conference (TOC) and Cool Logistics Events.

Our membership here in London is a rich collection of professionals from all maritime sectors; from merchant, military and coastguard seafarers to ship brokers, maritime lawyers, salvors and recruiters and many other trades. With such a diverse group of professionals, our club is a source of great experience and knowledge; if you have a question about the maritime industry or environment, I can guarantee we have someone who will know the answer!

LSLC Business Forum plays a prominent role in the furtherance of quality maritime education and business in London by tackling issues of enduring interest to the shipping industry and broadly to commercial practitioners. Events offer invaluable networking opportunities for business development and career advancement. The LSLC counts amongst its speakers and members the key representatives from most sectors of the maritime industry.

Sea Cadets engages 14,500 young people aged 10-18 across the UK. Supported by 9,000 amazing volunteers the charity helps young people achieve in education, employment and in longer-term mental and physical wellbeing, reducing risky behaviours and increasing community engagement. Adventures delivered on the water launch young people for life today.

As Britain’s oldest maritime charity, Marine Society is a key player in the sector, specifically offering digital learning services, bursaries and support to seafarers globally. It also supports new entrants into maritime as well as those progressing into shoreside roles.

Marine South East (MSE) is a marine sector, non-profit cluster organisation located in the leading maritime Solent region of the UK. Established in 2005, MSE aims to stimulate investment by public and private sectors in key areas of ‘Blue Growth’ such as maritime logistics, marine energy, security, aquaculture and management of environment and ocean resources.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) produces legislation and guidance and provides certification to ships and seafarers. Through our survey and inspection regime, we uphold standards for ship safety, security, pollution prevention and seafarer health, safety and welfare. We promote maritime standards, encourage economic growth and minimise the maritime sector’s environmental impact.Safer lives, safer ships, cleaner seasOur vision is to be a world-leading organisation, accelerating the transition to sustainable shipping with non-negotiable safety standards. We put our people, our customers and our planet at the heart of everything we do.

Maritime Digital Hub is a not for profit organisation focused on bridging the gap between technology & industry. The focus of the hub is to provide thought leadership and simplification of technology to assist on the journey to digitisation and enable upskilling of the future workforce.

The Maritime Skills Alliance designs and promotes qualifications and apprenticeships for the UK’s maritime sector. We have developed a suite of interlocking standards and qualifications – MSQs, “Maritime Studies Qualifications” – which enable employees to progress both within their specialism and between sectors.

Maritime UK Solent is the regional sector based organisation, championing the Solent as a world-leading maritime cluster – a region with world-leading training and rich maritime heritage, driving a powerful £5.8bn maritime economy covering 340 miles of coastline, three islands, three peninsulas, three major international gateway ports and emerging Freeport.

The MNTB is the authoritative centre of expertise and information on careers, education and training, and skill needs and issues in the industry.We aim to deliver skilled seafarers to the Merchant Navy and the wider shipping industry both now and in the future by ensuring, the best training is delivered by the best organisations, to create the best seafarers.The MNTB is a voluntary body and a part of the UK Chamber of Shipping, the trade association for the UK shipping industry.

Mercy Ships is a pioneering global health charity. We bring free, safe surgeries and life-changing healthcare to women, men and children across sub-Saharan Africa.We steer the largest charity hospital ships in the world. Each year, more than 3,000 volunteers from 60 countries – including surgeons, seafarers and engineers – dedicate their skills to bring hope, healing and transformed lives.

Mersey Maritime is the representative body for the maritime sector in the Liverpool City Region. We work with businesses of all sizes and in all locations to develop strong, market-responsive supply chains and promote Liverpool’s maritime industry as a world class centre of excellence.

The Met Office has been at the forefront of global weather and climate science for 160 years. We combine the latest science with ground breaking advances in technology and local understanding to deliver operational advantage to our customers. Our knowledge, experience and flexibility allow us to apply our science across business and government, managing the risks and opportunities from our weather as they arise.

The Shipping Industry in Monaco employs 1,000 employees with a turnover of around 180 million Euro. The Monaco Chamber of Shipping is the official shipping employer’s group and gathers 41 companies including shipowners, charterers, fleet managers, shipbrokers, shipping agents, maritime surveyors and legal advisors.

The NSC is NATO’s liaison for the maritime commercial community. We contribute to freedom of navigation in providing maritime situational awareness and de-conflict military operations from merchant shipping activities.

The Northern Lighthouse Board has provided a vital safety service to mariners since 1786 and is responsible for the superintendence and management of all lights, buoys and beacons within Scottish and Isle of Man waters. Their service makes a significant contribution to the prevention of accidents and incidents around the coastline, safeguarding not only lives and property, but also protecting our precious marine environment.

The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) is a voluntary association of oil companies with an interest in the shipment and terminalling of crude oil, oil products, petrochemicals and gas. OCIMF focuses exclusively on preventing harm to people and the environment by promoting best practice in the design, construction and operation of tankers, barges and offshore vessels and their interfaces with terminals.

Pakistan Maritime Forum provides a platform for promoting exchange of ideas between the maritime professionals of Pakistani origin in the United Kingdom. The aim is to serve the maritime interests of the UK and develop opportunities within the Pakistan maritime industry and foster the development of the maritime sector.

Propeller Club Liverpool is a not-for-profit association run by volunteers. The primary purposes of the club are to:– promote fellowship amongst members– provide networking opportunities– promote the maritime industry– help spotlight challenges the industry faces– give back to worthy causes in the community

The Scottish Maritime Cluster brings together Scotland’s world-class shipping, ports, shipbuilding, equipment, education, training and maritime service enterprises to drive economic growth in the global maritime market. We do this through building cooperation among our globally recognised experts, promoting the sector and influencing economic policy makers.

SEA-LNG is a UK-registered not for profit collaborative industry foundation serving the needs of its member organisations committed to furthering the use of LNG as a safe, mature, commercially viable marine fuel offering superior local emissions performance, significant GHG reduction benefits and a potential pathway to a zero-emissions shipping industry.

The Seafarers Hospital Society is a maritime charity dedicated to meeting the health, welfare and advice needs of seafarers of any nationality based in the United Kingdom.

Seafarers’ Rights International (SRI) is an independent pan-industry centre dedicated to advancing the rights of seafarers and fishers through research, education and training in issues concerning seafarers and the law. It was set up in September 2010, as a response to the need for improved protection for seafarers in national and international laws.

The Security in Complex Environment Group (SCEG) established in 2011 to promote international standards for the private security sector including the maritime sector. SCEG champions well-regulated private maritime security companies and acting collectively seeks to educate clients and stakeholders. SCEG has a formal partnership with the UK government.

The Shipping Professional Network in London (SPNL) is London’s own meeting place for young shipping professionals. The SPNL enjoys significant industry support, with industry backing from the UK Chamber of Shipping. Through regularly organised events, it aims to bring together young professionals from all aspects of the industry to network, socialise and learn more about the industry we proudly form part of.

The Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) is the international body established for the exchange of technical information and experience, between members of the industry, to enhance the safety and operational reliability of gas tankers and terminals. To this end, the Society publishes studies and produces information papers and works of reference, for the guidance of industry members.

The Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF) is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) established to promote safety and industry best practice in the use of gas as a marine fuel. The Society has Consultative Status with the IMO and is governed by a representative Board and driven by two principal Committees. SGMF has several working groups at any one-time solving issues and producing outputs such as Guidelines and checklists for the industry.

The Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) is a multi-stakeholder collective of ambitious and like-minded leaders, driving change through cross-sectoral collaboration to contribute to – and thrive in – a more sustainable maritime industry.SSI’s work looks at sustainability from a systems perspective across the six vision areas outlined in the Roadmap to a sustainable shipping industry: Oceans, Communities, People, Transparency, Finance, Energy.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) is the membership organisation for professionals involved in the movement of goods and people and their associated supply chains. Members of the Institute are involved in the management and design of infrastructure, systems, processes and information flows and in the creation, management and development of effective organisations.

FONASBA is the global representative body for ship brokers and ship agents with member associations in more than 50 countries. Its role is to promote and protect the interests of its members worldwide.

The Honourable Company of Master Mariners is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. The Company was formed in 1926; it was made a Livery Company by the City of London in 1932, making it the first new Livery Company to be formed since 1746.

The Nautical Institute has some 7000 members around the world in more than 110 countries. It has non-governmental organisation (NGO) consultative status at the IMO. Its aim is to represent seafarers’ and practical maritime professionals’ views at the highest level. It provides publications, recognition, certification, short courses and other services.

Founded in 1860 in London to ” advance the art and science of ship design ” today the Royal Institution of Naval Architects is a world renowned and highly respected international professional institution and learned society whose members are involved at all levels in the design, construction, maintenance and operation of all marine vessels and structures.

The Shipwrights’ Company originates from the fourteenth century and was originally formed to safeguard the quality of shipbuilding in London. Today the Shipwrights’ Company maintains close links with the sea and donates to maritime related causes, including apprentices. It supports George Green’s and London Nautical Schools, Sea Cadets and is affiliated to HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH.“Within the Ark Safe Forever”

Trinity House is a charity dedicated to safeguarding shipping and seafarers, providing education, support and welfare to the seafaring community with a statutory duty as a General Lighthouse Authority to deliver a reliable, efficient and cost-effective aids to navigation service for the benefit and safety of all mariners.

The UK Major Ports Group is the trade body for the UK’s major port operators and represents nine of the top ten port operators in UK. Our members collectively handle 75% of the UK’s port volumes through 40 ports. These include the largest ports in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The United Kingdom Maritime Pilots’ Association is the representative professional body for Maritime Pilots in the UK. Marine Pilots are highly skilled experts authorised to navigate ships in their respective districts. Tasked with the conduct of all types of vessels including the world’s largest during what is often most hazardous parts of their voyages . The fundamental purpose of maritime pilotage is to ensure safety, security, environmental protection and port efficiency.

The Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) is an international organisation for women in management positions involved in the maritime transportation business and related trades worldwide. It is a major player in attracting more women to the industry and in supporting women in management positions. WISTA is growing and currently counts over 1.600 individual members in 34 National WISTA Associations.