Seafarers Deserve Fairer Seas

BIMCO supports and advocates for fair treatment of seafarers in all respects and is committed to raising awareness.

Supporting shipping since 1905

Ship at sunset
01

Contracts

We’ve been creating contracts and clauses since 1905. We believe that standardised terms create equality, fairness and support business, and we believe this matters.

BIMCO sign on the desk at the International Maritime Organization in London
02

Regulation

We work to promote transparent and non-discriminatory standards and harmonisation within the shipping industry.

Merete L. Greisen of BIMCO using a headset in a phone call
03

Expert knowledge

Being the practical voice of shipping means we are more than an industry association. We offer members practical tools and expert knowledge to help them commercially navigate to a sustainable future.

A global shipping community in 120 countries

BIMCO's 2,100 members cover 64% of the world's tonnage and consist of local, global, small, and large companies. 

From our offices in Athens, Brussels, Copenhagen, Houston, London, Shanghai and Singapore we aim to help build a resilient industry in a sustainable future whilst protecting world trade. We do this by finding practical solutions for our members to help them manage risk in a changing world.

BIMCO Yearbook: stronger together in 2025

"2025 proved quite the year to take the helm of BIMCO. We celebrated our 120th anniversary, an occasion to reflect on the strength that comes from being part of the world’s largest shipping community," says BIMCO President Paul Pathy

Paul Pathy

Latest news & video

View all
A recycling yard for ships in India, with workers in the foreground and a dismantled ship

BIMCO welcomes proposal to include Indian ship recycling yards on EU list

Achillesspotlight BIMCO Cyberrisks

Recorded webinar: Maritime Risk Focus: Cyber and Fraud, addressing threats in the supply chain

Virtual survey graphic

Have you used electronic bills of lading? We want to hear from you!

Upcoming training

View all
collage of hands working on a laptop on the left, red bulker ship navigating a canal on the right
09 Nov

Time Charters Masterclass Online

Time charters is a complex business. The shipowners give the time charterers substantial control over the commercial operation of the vessel in exchange for the regular payment of hire.

Online
09 Nov 2026 - 13 Nov 2026 5 days
09:00 - 11:00
BIMCO Training Contact us
Masterclass
EUR 1450 BIMCO members
EUR 1930 Non-members
9 Available seats
person in orange safety vest typing on a computer
09 Nov

Bills of Lading Masterclass Online

Bills of Lading Masterclass Online is a series of 10 online sessions delivered over 5 days. Each day will run for 120 minutes with a short break in between.

Online
09 Nov 2026 - 13 Nov 2026 5 days
13:00 - 15:00
BIMCO Training Contact us
Masterclass
EUR 1450 BIMCO members
EUR 1930 Non-members
9 Available seats
Sale & Purchase - f2f
12 Nov

Sale and Purchase Masterclass

This masterclass examines the complete mechanics and processes behind the sale and purchase of vessels including the obligations/benchmarks as to the condition of the vessel (physical and legal), the price, etc as well as the S&P process, covering payments, notices, inspections, delivery, etc.

Amarilia Hotel, Athens 13 Agiou Nikolaou st. 16671, Vouliagmeni, Athens, Greece
12 Nov 2026 - 13 Nov 2026 2 days
BIMCO Training Contact us
Masterclass
EUR 1450 BIMCO members
EUR 1930 Non-members
9 Available seats

Shipping explained

Discover the interrelationships between the commercial and regulatory sides of shipping, and see where BIMCO fits into the picture.

Shipping Explained infographic

Latest market analysis

Browse all
Filipe Gouveia of BIMCO with image of a dry bulk ship

Dry Bulk – July 2026

El Niño to act as a new demand shock

Grain seen through a ship's cargo hatch

Grain shipments jump 13%, but weaker outlook ahead

SNOW 2026 Wk28 Plain

Crude tanker newbuilding contracting hits record high at 60m DWT

Contract editing made easy

SmartCon is the secure and best way of working with BIMCO contracts

Laptop screen superimposed on an image of the sea