BIMCO Celebrates 100 years

Published Jun 3, 2005 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

Founded in 1905 by a small group of Northern European shipowners, BIMCO has grown into a global organization of 2500 members in 123 countries.

"Global Outlook" has been the theme of the Centenary conference. This was reflected in the address by the Danish Foreign Minister, Per Stig M?ller, who paid tribute to the shipping industry as "the single most important vehicle for globalization."

Outgoing President of BIMCO, C.C. Tung said that the global influence of BIMCO was not merely geographical, but "was demonstrated in the wide spread of interest of our members, who today represented all parts of the maritime industry." The ability to tap into the experience of shipping experts from around the globe and from every industrial sector, said Mr. Tung, enables BIMCO to bring real value to the negotiating table in its discussion with governments and regulators at the highest level.

Issues discussed at the BIMCO Centenary General Meeting have included:

? The influence of politics on shipping
? Security and the need to confront terrorism
? Safety and the environment
? Manning and recruiting
? Shipbuilding issues
? The changing rate of ship agents
? Financing a growing world fleet
? Shipbroking and chartering developments

The CGM has also seen the launch of BIMCO 39 a "daughter" organization designed to encourage young people to become part of the BIMCO family and indeed the shipping industry. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of BIMCO 39, BIMCO President Knud Pontoppidan told more than 100 young maritime industry managers that their new organization would encourage young people to "expand their professional horizons" and bring to the industry "fresh minds and a great deal of energy."