How do NGOs work together?

NGOs often collaborate with each other to help raise awareness, promote common policy positions and develop resources that build capacity to ensure global trade is safe, secure and sustainable. Below are a just a few examples where BIMCO has collaborated with other NGOs on topics of shared interest.

risk reduction

Protecting Whales

The ocean is a shared resource, and shipping must co-exist with the creatures that live there. Increased shipping activity, along with ships that are bigger and faster than ever before, has increased the risks to marine life, particularly whales. Preventing whale strikes isn’t only a matter of conservation: they can endanger ships and those on board. Whales are also at risk from the underwater radiated noise ships generate, which can interfere with the mammals’ ability to communicate, forage and reproduce.

BIMCO works with several NGOs to protect whales, including the World Shipping Council, which publishes the WSC Whale Chart, a global voyage planning aid that covers the whale conservation measures that apply to the merchant shipping fleet.

These can include voluntary slowdowns or special navigational measures. BIMCO has, for example, joined the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to back the establishment of a new traffic separation scheme (TSS) south of Sri Lanka to protect endangered blue whales in one of the world’s largest marine trade lanes.

BIMCO also supports ORCA, which has created an online course to educate seafarers about the impact of ship strikes, and signpost opportunities for reducing the risk of collision.

When it comes to the impact of underwater radiated noise (URN) on whales, BIMCO has paired up with the International Chamber of Shipping to produce the Underwater Radiated Noise Guide, a practical explainer into the sources of underwater noise, the latest IMO guidelines and how to set up a noise management plan.

large container ship on the horizon and a whale's tail fin sticking out of the ocean in the foreground

The guide also looks at the scope of regional regulations and voluntary measures and explores how energy efficiency measures can reduce not only damaging greenhouse gas emissions but also underwater noise, a double-win for marine life and the environment. BIMCO is also a strategic partner of the IMO-UNDP-GEF GloNoise Partnership Project to help developing countries build capacity so they can implement the IMO guidelines on the reduction of URN.

standardisation, harmonisation and integration

Maritime Single Window

Digital technologies are creating once unimaginable opportunities to improve the efficiency, safety and environmental performance of shipping – but with these come increased risks. Recognising the growing importance of maritime digitalisation, BIMCO has been championing efforts at the IMO with member states such as China, Liberia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) - with the IMO advocating for the development of a comprehensive strategy on maritime digitalisation. We’ve called for a clearly defined roadmap to enhance the standardisation, harmonisation and integration of digital solutions, such as autonomous shipping (MASS), digital signatures, e-navigation developments and Maritime Single Window (MSW) implementation.

New IMO rules require ports and authorities around the world to use a “single window” platform to exchange data electronically to build a more digital and efficient maritime industry. BIMCO has teamed up with the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations (IFSMA), and the Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA) to understand the industry’s state of readiness for the new rules. This important research found too many ships lack suitable IT infrastructure and there’s little standardisation among port-side systems.

A container ship in port with a map of the world superimposed on the image

From hosting symposiums to submitting papers, BIMCO continues to work with fellow NGOs to raise awareness of the benefits of the Maritime Single Window and encourage the broad collaboration and interoperability required for the electronic platform to deliver on its potential to enable a more efficient and sustainable industry.

Crew safety

Working in enclosed spaces

Seafarers face many dangers, and not only from the sea itself. Entering enclosed spaces for routine inspections and essential maintenance can endanger lives, either through lack of oxygen or the presence of poisonous gases. These accidents occur far too frequently, with devastating consequences for seafarers and their families. The maritime industry is united in working to reduce, and ideally eliminate, these accidents, and BIMCO is proud to play its part at both IGO and NGO level.

Our experts have been part of the review of International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines on entry to enclosed spaces. In 2024, the IMO Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) made significant progress in updating and revising guidelines designed to ensure the safety of personnel entering enclosed spaces on board ships.

The updated recommendations, which will be submitted to MSC 110 for adoption in June 2025, cover the need for:

strong leadership from ashore
an Enclosed Space Register for each ship
improved guidance on how to define and differentiate between an adjacent space and connected space
readily available cargo-specific safety information
increased emphasis on measuring carbon dioxide along with other toxic and relevant gases
better signage, particularly for port workers who may be unaware of hazards in the cargo area
comprehensive crew training, rescue planning and well-practiced emergency response plans.

The Human Element Industry Group (HEIG) - a group of NGOs with consultative status at IMO, including BIMCO - was established to emphasise the critical role of the human element in maritime safety and to enhance coordination on related issues.

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As part of its efforts, a dedicated action group under the HEIG focuses on enclosed space safety, working to address the ongoing risks and challenges associated with enclosed space entries. To support this mission, Joint Industry Workshops on Enclosed Space Entries are regularly held, hosted by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF). These meetings bring together leading organisations, representatives from flag states and industry specialists to analyse the relevant data, examine the operational, commercial, technical and human factors, and identify the underlying causes of enclosed space accidents and fatalities. The aim is to develop targeted solutions and drive meaningful improvements in safety standards.

Our experts actively contribute to these efforts. In collaboration with fellow NGOs, such as the Nautical Institute, we participate in a wide range of industry events and webinars to raise awareness, share best practices, and enhance safety across the maritime sector.

Who makes the regulations?