The practical voice of shipping

We help our members keep world trade moving. 

See what BIMCO can offer you and your business.

Supporting shipping since 1905

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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 130 countries

BIMCO's 2,000+ members cover 62% 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

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Seafarers 002

Maritime Labour Convention – 2025 Amendments

AI Contract001 960X540

New research explores AI potential for charter parties

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

Update on the IMO net-zero framework

Upcoming training

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collage of hands working on a laptop on the left, red bulker ship navigating a canal on the right
28 Apr

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
28 Apr 2025 - 02 May 2025 5 days
08:00 - 10:00 UTC
BIMCO Training Contact us
Masterclass
EUR 1380 BIMCO members
EUR 1835 Non-members
5 Available seats
person in orange safey vest typing on a computer
28 Apr

Bills of Lading Masterclass Online

Bills of Lading Masterclass Online is a series of 10 online sessions delivered over 5 days. The masterclass will focus on the B/L as a part of broader sets of documents, each of which is necessary when selling or buying goods internationally.

Online
28 Apr 2025 - 02 May 2025 5 days
12:00 - 14:00 UTC
BIMCO Training Contact us
Masterclass
EUR 1380 BIMCO members
EUR 1835 Non-members
14 Available seats
Carriage Contracts Liabilities Cargo Claims Online 1920X1080
06 May

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
06 May 2025 - 12 May 2025 7 days
12:00 - 14:30 UTC
BIMCO Training Contact us
Masterclass
EUR 1380 BIMCO members
EUR 1835 Non-members
15 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 2025 Wk17 Plain

Japan is world’s third largest shipping nation as owners control 12% of the fleet

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Russian seaborne oil exports fall 6%, but remain largely unaffected by new sanctions

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Container rates drop 28%, worst first quarter in twenty years

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