Supporting Organisations 2019

Created in 1992, the British Ports Association represents the interests of its 100 full members, and numerous associate members, to the UK and devolved Governments, the EU and national and international bodies.

We plan and invest in transport infrastructure to keep the UK on the move. To encourage economic growth through trade and travel we are working to encourage commercial development by ports, effectively regulating vessels in the UK’s waters and improving maritime security and safety, including search and rescue capabilities.

Maritime London promotes the UK as the world’s premier maritime business centre.

Maritime UK brings together the UK’s shipping, ports, services, engineering and leisure marine industries to promote the sector, influence government and drive growth. The maritime sector is the fundamental enabler of British global trade. With cutting-edge technology, high-quality design & manufacturing, unparalleled expertise in services and major investment opportunities, the UK is the natural home for global maritime business. We support just under one million jobs and contribute around £40bn to UK GDP.

Shipping Innovation Limited is an independent joint venture company that brings together two of the most creative, energetic and well-connected media companies in the maritime, transport and energy industries, Elaborate Communications Ltd and Petrospot Ltd.

The Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) is the voice of the UK’s maritime engineering and business sector promoting and supporting companies which design, build, refit and modernise ships, and supply equipment and services for all types of commercial and naval ships, ports and terminals infrastructure, offshore oil and gas, maritime security and safety, marine science and technology, maritime autonomous systems and marine renewable energy.

The Baltic Exchange is the world’s only independent source of maritime market information for the trading and settlement of physical and derivative contracts. Our international community of more than 600 members encompasses the majority of world shipping interests and commits to a code of business conduct overseen by the Baltic.

TheCityUK represents the UK-based financial and related professional services industry. We lobby on its behalf, producing evidence of its importance to the wider national economy. At home in the UK, in the EU and internationally, we seek to influence policy to drive competitiveness, creating jobs and lasting economic growth.

The UK Chamber of Shipping is the trade association and voice for the UK shipping industry, with around 140 members from across the maritime sector.

The United Kingdom Major Ports Group (UKMPG) is the trade association representing most of the larger commercial ports in the United Kingdom.

We plan and invest in transport infrastructure to keep the UK on the move. To encourage economic growth through trade and travel we are working to encourage commercial development by ports, effectively regulating vessels in the UK’s waters and improving maritime security and safety, including search and rescue capabilities.

The Department for International Trade (DIT) helps businesses export and grow into global markets. We also help overseas companies locate and grow in the UK.

Our vision is to be the best maritime safety organisation in the world, committed to Safer Lives, Safer Ships, Cleaner Seas. Our values are Safety, Professionalism, Trust and Respect.

In times of conflict or peace, the Royal Navy is key to the prosperity of Britain and the stability of the high seas. The Naval Service brings together the men and women of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of the maritime sector to Scotland’s economy, and, is working closely with the shipping, ports and wider maritime industry to support opportunities for investment and jobs growth.

The Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland ensures Scottish interests in the maritime sector are fully and effectively represented at the heart of the UK Government, and the UK Government’s responsibilities are fully and effectively represented in Scotland

Quality through partnership

Committed to safety of life at sea but with no compromise on our standards
One stop shop for national and international statutory requirements
Expert advice available 24/7
Building a better maritime business with owners and operators

The Welsh Government sees ports as key partners in promoting economic growth and job opportunities, and is working collaboratively with the sector, as well as the wider maritime community, to develop economic opportunities and ensure Wales is internationally and sustainably connected.

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.

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.

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.

CLIA UK & Ireland is a member of Cruise Lines International Association, the world’s largest cruise industry trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA brings together cruise lines, travel agents, associated travel partners and is dedicated to the expansion of ocean and river cruise holidays.

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.

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

Designed specifically for the maritime industry, the Ensign Retirement Plan is a not-for-profit, high-quality, low cost defined contribution pension plan. Run by maritime pensions experts with extensive experience in the industry, it provides choice and flexibility in contributions, investments and how and when members take their benefits

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.

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 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

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

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 LMAA is an association of practising maritime arbitrators. It has 32 Full Members, all full-time arbitrators, a further 28 Aspiring Full Members. LMAA can offer expertise across the breadth of the maritime sector from seagoing experience (deck and engine), through shipbroking, derivatives and hedging, shipbuilding and sale and purchase, ship management, commodities and cargo operations experience, to maritime litigation and judicial experience of maritime and other commercial disputes.

Established in 1756, the Marine Society has a long pedigree of supporting the welfare and professional development of seafarers. We’re here to help every seafarer realise their full potential through learning new skills, gaining accredited qualifications and supplying libraries and books.

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.

National Maritime, is the maritime network for industries influenced by the sea and waterways. Our purpose is to serve and support our members to help them grow and increase business. We promote the UK as a world class location central to the country’s global maritime aspirations and work with those industries ambitious to drive trade, productivity and economic growth.

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.

The Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF), a non-government organisation founded in 2013, has been responsible for educating and training marine and energy professionals in making the safe and competent transition from heavy fuel oil-powered vessels to cleaner-burning gas fuel. With the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) global sulphur cap of 0.5% on shipping emissions coming into practice on January 1st 2020, the shipping industry is rapidly investigating viable alternatives and natural gas (from LNG) as a fuel is considered by many to offer the most complete solution to the stringent new emissions caps looming.

Team Humber Marine Alliance is a dynamic membership organisation – critical to the success of the marine, maritime and offshore sectors in the Humber and beyond. Millions of pounds of new business has been generated amongst its 200 plus member companies through innovative business development activities. It is a highly influential, not-for-profit business, focused on revitalising the “Blue Economy” sector around The Humber Ports which are the busiest in the UK by tonnage and the fourth busiest in Europe, handling 85 million tonnes of cargo annually – 17.5% of Britain’s maritime trade and more than any other ports complex in the UK.

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 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”

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.