A year of progress for the marine contracting industry

As 2026 draws to a close, I would like to share some of the many highlights from our work over the last 12 months, and to let you know about the renewal process for your IMCA membership in 2027.

This year has been one of significant activity and progress for IMCA, in which we have worked tirelessly to champion, protect, and support our sector and its workforce, to ensure it is safe, sustainable, and fit for the future. 

• We increased the reach of our advocacy work in 2026, appointing Sophia Haywood as IMCA’s first ever Director of Policy and Advocacy to strengthen our political engagement and ensure policymakers understand our industry’s essential role in supporting global prosperity and security.
• IMCA has held observer status at the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization, headquartered in London, since 1999. We engaged extensively on the IMO’s emerging net-zero framework, as well as on regulations covering safety, Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), environmental protection, operational standards, and support for offshore workers.
• We increased our work with the European Union on issues including the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and the Offshore Safety Directive (OSD). Following last year’s engagement we were delighted to see the European Commission recognise the marine contracting sector as a strategic enabler of Europe’s energy security and digital connectivity and for the need for Maritime ETS Revenues to be reinvested in our sector – a significant shift in EU policy thinking.

• Over the last 12 months, we have published 37 new and revised Guidance documents and 18 Information Notes in IMCA’s industry-leading Technical Library.
• In response to conflict in the Middle East, we issued guidance for DP Operators on the impact and mitigation of global navigation satellite system interference (known as ‘spoofing and jamming’).
• Our diving division published updated guidance on safe subsea decommissioning and dismantlement operations as global demand for this work accelerated.

• In July, we published our Annual Safety Report, based on more than 1bn hours of data, to provide Members with critical insights into trends in health, safety, and security in the workplace.
• And, we issued 23 safety flashes to Members over the last 12 months, covering 107 separate incidents and potential hazards.
• To support Members active in the Middle East, we worked with partners to produce new security guidance for vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
• Following the creation of our People Committee last year, we launched IMCA’s Next Generation Network in February to connect, inspire, and develop the next generation of offshore professionals.
• To address the challenge of recruiting and nurturing the thousands of skilled professionals our industry will need over the coming decade, we began work on a campaign to raise awareness of offshore careers, which will be launched at this year’s Global Summit.
• We continued to develop our continuing professional development (CPD)-accredited events and training programmes and launched IMCA Skills to provide the offshore industry’s go-to place for competency and training.
• To lead our work on industry skills, we were delighted to appoint Natalie Carroll in the new role of Head of Competence and Training.

• We held a successful online event on Integrating Biodiversity into Offshore Operations, showcasing practical case studies and innovative approaches to incorporating environmental sustainability in real projects.
• We broadened the membership of our GHG and Marine Renewables Committees to create two special interest groups, in Decarbonisation and Offshore Wind, to better support Members to cut greenhouse gas emissions from their operations, and to support the development of safe and efficient operations in offshore renewable energy projects.

• We appointed Jo Deal as IMCA’s first ever Head of Membership Engagement to act as the voice of Members within IMCA, improve Member-focussed processes such as Membership renewals, and enhance Member participation in IMCA’s work.
• To strengthen how Members’ voices are represented and heard across the Association we launched a new Membership Committee, reporting directly to IMCA’s Board.
• We launched IMCA Partnerships to enhance and formalise IMCA's strategic relationships with stakeholders such as trade associations, membership organisations, and regulators, strengthening alignment around shared priorities.
• We brought Members together at 21 regional meetings, technical seminars, and online events, across every region of the globe, increasing the number of online events we hold to make them more accessible.
• We appointed Mary Ntamark as our first dedicated Member Engagement lead for Africa, and held a successful regional forum in Nigeria to support the development and safety of its offshore workforce. 

• A key focus for us this year has been creating IMCA 2030 – IMCA’s new corporate strategy, based on extensive Member feedback, that will guide our association’s work over the next four years. We will formally launch this strategy in October at IMCA Global Summit 2026, which will bring together hundreds of business leaders, decision-makers, and technical experts from across the world to shape the future of the marine construction industry. Book now to secure your place. This event builds on the success of our amazing Global Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2025, which was attended by 430 delegates.
• To support the delivery of IMCA 2030, next year will see continued investment in our online services, including our website and learning management systems, to further enhance the value of IMCA Membership. 

From January 2027, we are introducing a simpler, more transparent membership structure designed to strengthen Member engagement, improve Members’ access to IMCA’s technical resources, and better support the evolving needs of the offshore energy industry.

• Details of what this means for you will be set out in a membership renewal letter, which will be sent to you in the coming weeks. A short news story and video explaining the changes are available here. If you have further questions, then please see the FAQ page on our website.
• Notwithstanding a small inflationary price rise to membership fees, no existing IMCA Member will be moved to a higher payment category for their membership in 2027 as a result of these changes, unless they wish to upgrade their membership to make the most of all the benefits and technical expertise IMCA has to offer.

Lastly, I would like to thank you for your continued support during 2026 – the importance of collaboration has never been greater as the challenges and opportunities facing our industry continue to evolve.
I hope you will continue your journey with IMCA by renewing your membership for 2027, and look forward to working with you in the year ahead to shape a safer, stronger, and more sustainable offshore energy industry.

Iain Grainger
CEO