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
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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
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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
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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.

Latest news & video

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Ro Ro AS 1639562875

New guidance on IMDG Code changes for vehicles and batteries

Ships Singapore Is 823513922

BIMCO co-sponsors proposal to focus CII on fuel consumption while ships are under way

IMO Maritime Single Window Survey 2026 (1)

IMO launches survey on Maritime Single Windows

Upcoming training

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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
1 Available seats
Carriage Contracts, Liabilities & Cargo Claims - online
16 Nov

Carriage Contracts, Liabilities & Cargo Claims Masterclass Online

Carriage Contracts, Liabilities and Cargo Claims Masterclass Online will examine specific issues arising when goods are damaged, lost or delayed during transit.

Online
16 Nov 2026 - 20 Nov 2026 5 days
13:00 - 15:30 UTC
BIMCO Training Contact us
Masterclass
EUR 1450 BIMCO members
EUR 1930 Non-members
3 Available seats
Container ship on the sea with a vibrant sunrise/sunset on the horizon
17 Nov

Voyage Charters Masterclass

This course highlights key VC issues, presents ways for parties to allocate risks and gives an overview of the relevant legal principles.

Simon Fraser University, Vancouver Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, Canada
17 Nov 2026 - 18 Nov 2026 2 days
BIMCO Training Contact us
Masterclass
EUR 890 BIMCO members
EUR 1150 Non-members
3 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

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SNOW 2026 Wk45 Plain

Coal shipments to India drop 7%, but limited recovery may lie ahead

2026 10 SMOO Bulk

Dry Bulk – October 2026

Escalating attacks on ships heighten uncertainty

SNOW 2026 Wk43 Plain

Global shipyard order book grows 13%, strengthening China’s lead

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