The International Maritime Employers' Council Ltd (IMEC)

What The International Maritime Employers' Council Ltd (IMEC) does

IMEC (The International Maritime Employers' Council Ltd) is the only international employers' organization dedicated to maritime industrial relations, serving shipping companies that own or manage vessels requiring International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) coverage. Founded in the 1940s as the London Committee and reorganized into its present form in 1992, IMEC now represents 332+ members operating 16,500+ vessels and employing 400,000+ seafarers across approximately 50 countries. Its core function is collective bargaining through the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), established in 2003 with the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG: IMMAJ, KSA, Evergreen) and the ITF, which negotiates wages, conditions, and risk-area terms for seafarers on covered vessels.

The organization's product set combines (i) exclusive IBF Agreements -- 20+ template contracts negotiated with ITF affiliate unions across principal labor-supply countries -- with (ii) member-funded welfare and training mechanisms including the Seafarers' Support (Welfare) Fund (SSF), the Seafarers' Employment Promotion Fund (SEPF), and the historic International Maritime Training Funds (IMTF, which disbursed USD 45M over 18 years before being wound down in 2016). IMEC also runs an integrated training portfolio: a Philippines Cadet Programme (1,600+ graduates since 2008 at MAAP), an India Cadet Programme launched September 2023, an Engineering Bridging Programme introduced in 2022, a Ship's Rating Programme (2017), and a planned 132-cadet Electro Technical Officer (ETO) programme for 2026 across five Philippine maritime academies. Technology assets include the members' portal (app.imec.org.uk) and the Competency Management System for Ratings (CMS-R), a 264-competency framework co-developed with Ocean Technologies Group and distributed free in Excel.

IMEC funds operations through annual membership dues (Full Membership GBP 3,750/year; Associate Membership GBP 1,875/year), a one-time GBP 6,000 entrance fee, and SEPF contributions of USD 10 per seafarer per month, with most flow-through funds (SSF, SEPF, IMTF) redistributed to seafarers and training rather than retained. Distribution is direct only: the Secretariat sells memberships via industry conferences (IMECCON), maritime networks, and referrals, with no third-party resellers. Headquartered in Whiteley, Fareham (UK) with a regional office in Makati City, Philippines, IMEC is a UK private limited company governed by an Executive Committee of elected member volunteers and operates an ISO 9001:2015-aligned Quality Management System.

Name

The International Maritime Employers' Council Ltd (IMEC)

Legal name

International Maritime Employers' Council Ltd

Website

https://imec.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1940

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The International Maritime Employers' Council (IMEC) is the only international employers' organization dedicated to maritime industrial relations, representing 332+ shipping companies operating 16,500+ vessels worldwide through IBF collective bargaining, exclusive template agreements, and an integrated seafarer training portfolio.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Whiteley, Fareham

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Full Membership Dues: Annual membership fee for full members providing access to IBF agreements, grants, dispute resolution, training initiatives, and secretariat support.
2. Associate Membership Dues: Reduced annual membership fee for associate-level members.
3. Entrance Fee: One-time entrance fee for new members joining IMEC.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

IMEC is an employers' membership organisation that collectively bargains with the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) on behalf of maritime employers through the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), providing exclusive IBF Agreements that grant ITF coverage via social dialogue. Members additionally access welfare fund rebates (SSF), seafarer training grants, dispute resolution procedures, and a portfolio of maritime training programmes (cadet, rating, engineering bridging, ETO) delivered through partner maritime academies.

Product overview

IMEC is an employers' organization providing a portfolio of interconnected services centered on maritime industrial relations and training. The core offering is the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), a collective bargaining mechanism negotiating fair and sustainable seafarer wages and conditions. Supporting this are IBF Agreements (20+ exclusive template agreements), welfare funds (SSF, SEPF), and risk area designations. IMEC also operates an extensive training initiative portfolio including cadet programmes (Philippines, India), an Engineering Bridging Programme, Ship's Rating Programme, and ETO Cadet Training Programme—all partially funded through IMTF. Additional offerings include the Competency Management System for Ratings (CMS-R) and Adopt-A-Ship Programme. IMEC Members enjoy exclusive access to IBF agreements, training sponsorship opportunities, welfare fund rebates, and dispute resolution procedures.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• International Bargaining Forum (IBF): A forum established in 2003 for collective bargaining between maritime employers represented by JNG and seafarers unions represented by ITF

Products and services

• International Bargaining Forum (IBF) A collective bargaining mechanism established in 2003 enabling maritime employers (represented by the Joint Negotiating Group) and seafarer unions (represented by the International Transport Workers' Federation) to negotiate wages and conditions for seafarers on ships covered by ITF Special Agreements.
• IBF Agreements More than 20 exclusive template agreements negotiated with ITF affiliate unions, covering crew contracts and wage scales for principal labour supply countries and providing ITF coverage through social dialogue and consensus rather than unilateral union decisions.
• IBF Seafarers Support (Welfare) Fund (SSF) A fund created to support seafarers' welfare on board IBF-covered vessels; members obtain a rebate of up to 20% of their ITF Welfare Fund contributions based on evidence of welfare spending for entertainment facilities, DVD libraries, sports equipment, and events.
• IBF Risk Areas A negotiated framework under which JNG and ITF mutually designate Warlike Operations Areas, High Risk Areas and Extended Risk Zones, defining special terms and conditions for IBF vessels sailing in dangerous areas; recognised by national administrations and flag states.
• Seafarers' Employment Promotion Fund (SEPF) A fund element requiring IMEC Members to contribute US$10 per month per seafarer, supporting non-mandatory training, education, skills enhancement and recruitment, with grants of up to 90% of the fund available to members annually.
• International Maritime Training Funds (IMTF) Training funds (IMTF AMOSUP and IMTF International) supporting maritime training initiatives and partially funding cadet and rating programmes at MAAP in the Philippines.
• IMEC Cadet Training - Philippines A 4.5-year programme at the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) launched in 2008, training deck and engineering officers with full scholarships covering tuition, meals, travel, and accommodation; over 1,600 cadets have graduated.
• IMEC Cadet Training - India A 2.5-year programme launched in September 2023 providing Indian nationals with Deck and Engineering opportunities through partnerships with IMU-accredited institutions endorsed by FOSMA and MASSA.
• IMEC Engineering Bridging Programme A programme introduced in 2022 converting Mechanical Engineering graduates into qualified marine engineers through 10 months at MAAP followed by 12 months sea time, offered free to IMEC Members.
• IMEC Ship's Rating Programme A 5-month programme introduced in 2017 at MAAP for young people from underprivileged backgrounds to become competent seafarers, offered free of charge for IMEC Members.
• Electro Technical Officer (ETO) Cadet Training Programme A programme with 4.5-month academic training followed by minimum 8 months onboard training, partnering with five maritime training institutes in the Philippines (UMTC, GigaMare, Magsaysay, MARIANA Academy, Nautilus Pacific) to produce qualified ETOs; IMEC committed to supporting 132 cadets in 2026.
• Competency Management System for Ratings (CMS-R) A free Excel-format resource containing 264 competencies (167 deck, 46 engine, 14 catering, 37 all-department) developed in collaboration with Ocean Technologies Group to help identify training needs and provide structured pathways for rating promotions; free for IMEC members and non-members.
• Adopt-A-Ship Programme An 8-10 week educational initiative connecting elementary school classrooms with seafarers, launched in the Philippines in 2015, engaging over 35,000 young learners in the Philippines and more than 100,000 children worldwide; IMEC assumed financial responsibility from 2026.
• IMEC Conference (IMECCON) Annual industry conference (IMECCON) bringing together maritime leaders, seafarers, policymakers and innovators; the 2026 conference themed 'Putting People at the Helm' covers global outlook, decarbonisation, seafarer voices, Africa's maritime role and workforce development.

Quantifiable outcome

• Members can claim back up to 20% of total ITF Welfare Fund payments made in the previous year through SSF rebate
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerITF is the primary social partner in IBF negotiations. Together with the JNG, ITF negotiates wages and conditions of employment for seafarers serving on ships to which ITF Special Agreements apply. This partnership is the foundation of IMEC's collective bargaining activities.
• International Maritime Training Fund (IMTF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMTF AMOSUP and IMTF International funds support training initiatives for maritime professionals. The funds are generated through CBA negotiations and provide grants for cadet training, rating programs, and other maritime education initiatives.
• Joint Negotiating Group (JNG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJNG consists of IMEC, International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ), Korean Shipowners Association (KSA), and Taiwanese company Evergreen. JNG coordinates employer views for IBF negotiations with ITF.
• Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMAAP in the Philippines is IMEC's flagship training partner, delivering cadet training, ships rating programme, and engineering bridging courses. Over 1,600 cadets have graduated since the programme began in 2008.
• AMOSUP (Associated Marine Officers' and Seamen's Union of the Philippines)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPhilippine maritime union partner involved in IBF collective bargaining agreements and IMTF AMOSUP training fund management.
• Joint Negotiating Group Partners (IMMAJ, KSA, Evergreen)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMEC coordinates with International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ), Korean Shipowners Association (KSA), and Evergreen Marine Corporation (Taiwan) as part of the JNG for international collective bargaining.
• United Marine Training Centre (UMTC)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUMTC in Manila is an ETO cadet training partner for 2026. One of five maritime training institutes partnering with IMEC for ETO (Electro Technical Officer) cadet training programme.
• GigaMare Inc.majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGigaMare in Subic Bay is an ETO cadet training partner. The first batch of 12 ETO cadets successfully completed training at GigaMare in August.
• Magsaysay Institute of ShippingmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMagsaysay in Cavite is an ETO cadet training partner for 2026, offering maritime electro-technology courses for aspiring Electro Technical Officers.
• MARIANA Academy of Maritime StudiesmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMARIANA Academy is an ETO cadet training partner for 2026, one of five maritime training institutes in the Philippines partnering with IMEC.
• Nautilus Pacific Maritime Training CentremajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNautilus Pacific in Manila is an ETO cadet training partner for 2026, one of five maritime training institutes partnering with IMEC for ETO cadet training.
• ISWAN (International Seafarers' Welfare Assistance Network)minorOthersProvides additional support resources for seafarer welfare, referenced as part of IMEC's commitment to seafarer wellbeing and DEI initiatives.
• The Seafarers CharityminorOthersCharitable organization supporting seafarers, listed as additional support resource for seafarer welfare.
• Mission to SeafarersminorOthersInternational Anglican missionary organization providing support to seafarers worldwide, listed as additional support resource.
• Sailors' SocietyminorOthersChristian maritime welfare organization providing support to seafarers, listed as additional support resource.
• Safer WavesminorOthersOrganization supporting seafarer safety and welfare, listed as additional support resource for seafarer wellbeing.
• Ocean Technologies GroupmajorTechnology or IntegrationCollaborated with IMEC Recruitment and Training Committee working group to develop the Competency Management System for Ratings (CMS-R) containing 264 competencies for deck, engine, and catering departments.
• Gregorio Oca Leadership and Development Foundation, Inc. (GOLD Foundation)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvides administrative handling for the Adopt-A-Ship Programme in San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines. IMEC assumed financial responsibility for the program from 2026.
• FOSMA (Federation of Maritime Associations)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndian maritime federation that formally endorsed IMEC's India Cadet Training Programme launched in September 2023, partnering with top training institutions.
• MASSA (Maritime Association of Shipowners / Ship Managers and Agents)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndian maritime association that formally endorsed IMEC's India Cadet Training Programme, partnering with accredited training institutions for deck and engineering opportunities.
• TS Rahaman (Training Ship Rahaman)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDeck officer training institution in India, one of the top training institutions accredited by IMU and endorsed by FOSMA and MASSA for IMEC's cadet training programme.
• HIMT (Hovertext Institute of Maritime Technology)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDeck and engine training institution in India, partnered with IMEC for cadet training programme with focus on sustainable and responsible education principles.
• STCW Office of MARINA - DOTCmajorOthersPhilippine Maritime Industry Authority's STCW Office, with which IMEC met to discuss training standards and certification alignment.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF): ITF is the global union federation representing transport workers and the counterpart to IMEC in IBF collective bargaining. It is the broader incumbent on the union side of the maritime industrial relations equation, working with IMEC through the IBF and providing the institutional context for IMEC's exclusive agreements.

Direct peers

• International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ): IMMAJ is the JNG counterpart organization for Japanese shipowners and a co-coordinator of employer views in IBF negotiations alongside IMEC. It is directly comparable as a maritime employers' organization performing collective bargaining with ITF for its national members, although IMMAJ is national in scope while IMEC is international.
• BIMCO: BIMCO is the world's largest international shipowner association with over 2,000 members globally, providing standard contract templates, advocacy, and industry services. It is a direct peer to IMEC in terms of serving shipowners with association-based services, though BIMCO's portfolio is contract/legal-centric rather than labor-relations-centric.
• International Chamber of Shipping (ICS): ICS is the principal international trade association for merchant shipowners and operators, representing approximately 80% of world tonnage. It is a direct peer in maritime employer/industry representation and shares overlapping advocacy and policy-shaping functions with IMEC, though with a broader regulatory and trade mandate rather than labor-relations focus.
• European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA): ECSA represents European shipowners at the EU level, with 19 national member associations covering the EU/EEA fleet. It is a direct peer to IMEC as a regional maritime employers' association engaged in labor and industrial relations policy, but operates at an EU policy level rather than the global IBF framework.
• INTERTANKO: INTERTANKO is the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners representing the majority of the independent tanker fleet. It is a direct peer to IMEC as an international shipowner association providing member services and industry representation, although it is segment-specific (tankers) rather than all-vessel-types.
• Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA): CSA represents US-based shipowners and operators on labor relations, maritime policy, and crewing issues, including bilateral negotiations with maritime unions. It is a direct peer to IMEC in maritime industrial relations, but its scope is the US Jones Act and US-flag market rather than the international ITF framework.
• World Shipping Council: The World Shipping Council represents the international liner shipping industry on policy, safety, and environmental issues with approximately 30 member companies. It is an adjacent peer to IMEC in serving global shipping employers, though focused on liner-specific trade and policy advocacy rather than seafarer labor relations.
• Korean Shipowners' Association (KSA): KSA is the Korean shipowners' trade association and a JNG member alongside IMEC and IMMAJ. It is directly comparable as a national-level maritime employers' body participating in international collective bargaining, but it primarily serves Korean-flag and Korean-operated tonnage.

Others

• International Maritime Organization (IMO): IMO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for global maritime safety, security, and environmental regulation, including MLC 2006 which IMEC members must comply with. It is adjacent rather than a direct peer—setting the regulatory framework within which IMEC operates and negotiates—rather than competing for the same member base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=AjS1jQFZReQ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-international-maritime-employers-council-ltd-imec-

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The International Maritime Employers' Council Ltd (IMEC)