IMCA Awards

Awards Email Banner 2026
The IMCA Awards 2026 are designed to recognise excellence within the marine contracting industry, highlight outstanding achievements, and promote best practice. The awards will celebrate success across multiple categories, including Environmental Sustainability, Health, Safety and Security, People Development, Innovation & Technology and Rising Star.

This year we’ll be conducting an additional judging in each Technical category for Members in the SME division for companies of 30 members of staff of fewer. This will ensure that all entries have an equal chance of winning despite their size or revenue. 

Judging Criteria

We want to see practical outcomes that support marine or offshore environmental protection. Please include monitoring results, project scope, and stakeholder involvement. 

If demonstrating decarbonisation or GHG reductions, judges expect measurable reductions in emissions, backed by data. Submissions should include baseline comparisons, evidence of actual or forecasted emissions savings, and information on how these reductions were achieved. Projects that influence wider supply chains or set industry benchmarks will stand out.

Clear, evidence-based improvements in health and safety. Submissions should include data on incident reduction, details of safety initiatives, and examples of how the project has improved safety culture. We’ll be assessing lasting impact, innovation in approach, and staff engagement.

We’re looking for practical application of new technology or digital solutions. Please provide technical summaries, deployment outcomes, and user feedback where possible. Judges want to see real-world impact, not just potential - especially improvements in efficiency, safety, or environmental performance.

Submissions should show how the project supports people through training, diversity, career development, or talent attraction. Judges will look for participation data, outcomes (such as certifications, hires, or promotions), and how the initiative supports the wider workforce strategy.

For the IMCA Global Summit Awards' "Rising Star" category, the judges are looking for manager or peer testimonials; project examples or deliverables; performance metrics or KPIs; training or certification records that demonstrate ambition and growth or internal recognition including awards already received within the organisation that validate the nominee’s contributions.

Judging requirements

What are the judges looking for?

Each submission will be scored out of 25 points, using the following five criteria:

1. Evidence of impact (1–5 points)

  • Demonstrates clear, measurable results relevant to the project goals.
  • Results are supported by data or examples.
  • Outcomes are directly linked to the project activities.

2. Innovation and approach (1–5 points)

  • Shows originality or a creative way of solving a problem.
  • Applies new methods, thinking, or technology.
  • Demonstrates proactive and forward-looking planning.

3. Clarity and quality of submission (1–5 points)

  • Well-structured and easy to follow.
  • Provides relevant supporting data and documentation.
  • Clearly explains objectives, process, and outcomes.

4. Scalability and replicability (1–5 points)

  • Can be applied in other teams, projects, or regions.
  • Has relevance to the wider marine or offshore industry.
  • Shows potential for broader adoption or influence.

5. Long-term benefit (1–5 points)

  • Offers ongoing or sustainable value beyond the initial project.
  • Contributes to lasting improvement in practice or culture.
  • Includes plans or actions for future continuation or development.

For the Rising Star Award the judging will be subject to evidence of performance as indicated in the criteria above.

Find out more about last year's IMCA Awards finalists and winners!

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