BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council)

The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) was established in 1905 by a group of shipowners active primarily in the Baltic and White Sea trades. Initially known as the Baltic and White Sea Conference, it primarily focused on enhancing the economic benefits of the timber trades.

Over time, the Baltic and White Sea Conference broadened its scope and rebranded as the Baltic and International Maritime Conference, eventually changing the last word to Council more recently.

The membership of the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) is now global and includes shipowners and operators, representing 60% of the world’s merchant fleet, along with shipbrokers and agents, maritime lawyers, and P&I (Protection and Indemnity) Clubs.

The stated goals of the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) include addressing all matters affecting its members, fostering cooperation over confrontation, and contributing practical insights to ensure that the economic impacts of new regulations on shipowners are thoroughly evaluated.

For many years, the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) has been producing endorsed documents such as charter parties and bills of lading, sometimes in collaboration with other organizations like the Chamber of Shipping and FONASBA, and occasionally following agreements with charterer or shipper associations.

While BIMCO is best known for its documentary work, its myriad other activities are equally significant. In recent years, BIMCO has introduced two-day courses in various maritime centers worldwide, drawing significant participation from local shipping communities eager to listen to presentations by industry experts.

BIMCO was an early adopter of computer-based communication and information systems for its members, initiating groundbreaking efforts in this area in the late 1980s. Today, BIMCO members can access a vast amount of information online, although some is limited to subscribers. However, a wealth of valuable material, including drafts of many of BIMCO’s endorsed charter parties and other documents, is available at www.bimco.org. BIMCO has always been headquartered in Copenhagen throughout its existence.