International awards recognise achievements in offshore safety, diving technology, workforce development and environmental sustainability.
(Antwerp, 29 October 2026) - Seaway7, SmartDives, CBO, and Jan De Nul were named winners at the IMCA Awards 2026, selected from entries across the international marine contracting industry for outstanding achievements in safety, technical innovation, people development, and environmental sustainability.
Gabriel Caspary, Head of CBO’s Operational Excellence Centre, received the Rising Star Award, while NUI – the commercial and offshore diving research and development organisation based in Bergen, Norway – received special recognition for its 50-year contribution to diver safety.
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) presented the awards during its Global Summit Gala Dinner in Antwerp on 28 October. The shortlist included 15 finalists across five categories, and judges assessed projects ranging from serious injury prevention and specialist diving equipment to workforce development and coastal habitat restoration.
The annual awards recognise excellence in marine contracting and share practical achievements with the wider industry. This year’s judges highlighted the evidence behind the winning projects, their operational benefits and the potential for others to learn from them.
Iain Grainger, Chief Executive of IMCA, said: “These awards recognise the businesses and organisation whose expertise and determination are central to making offshore operations safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. This year’s winners have tackled challenges that matter every day offshore, from protecting crews and improving specialist equipment to supporting careers and managing environmental impacts.
“Sharing their work gives others the opportunity to learn from that experience and consider how those approaches could improve their own operations. We congratulate the winners and thank everyone who submitted an entry.”
Health, Safety and Security Project of the Year: Seaway7 — Serious Injury and Fatality Prevention Pilot
Seaway7 received the award for a 90-day pilot aboard Seaway Ventus designed to strengthen the management of risks that could lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
The project focused on verifying critical safety controls, improving toolbox talks, and reviewing events to identify lessons. Offshore teams helped test and refine the approach, ensuring that it reflected the conditions and demands of their work.
The judges praised the project’s evidence-based approach and its use of safety data to measure performance and identify improvements. They also highlighted its alignment with IMCA's future safety priorities and the wider industry, and its potential to apply across the business.
Innovation and Technology Project of the Year: SmartDives — MAYAAH Portable High-Pressure Heliox Compressor
SmartDives won for its MAYAAH portable high-pressure heliox compressor, engineered with BAUER Kompressoren for offshore and hyperbaric operations.
Heliox, a mixture of helium and oxygen, is used as a breathing gas in diving. The containerised system transfers gas up to eight times faster than conventional units, reducing a nine-hour changeover to under three hours.
For the judging panel, the project stood out as an innovative engineering solution delivering faster, safer gas handling. Its zero gas loss, closed-loop cooling, and round-the-clock remote monitoring offered financial and operational benefits.
People Development Project of the Year: CBO — Women at the Centre
CBO’s Women at the Centre programme was recognised for its approach to advancing gender equality in offshore operations.
The programme targets a 50/50 gender balance onshore and at sea through measures that address recruitment, career progression, and retention. These include equal recruitment targets for male and female cadets, extended maternity leave, childcare subsidies, and breastfeeding support.
Pregnant seafarers can move into CBO’s shore-based Operational Excellence Centre, allowing them to continue contributing professionally during pregnancy and their child’s first year.
The judges noted more women aboard vessels, improved retention after maternity leave, and greater representation in leadership. The programme’s potential to grow and be adopted by other employers also set the entry apart.
Rising Star Award: Gabriel Caspary — CBO
Gabriel Caspary received the Rising Star Award for applying his offshore experience to improve operations, technical standards, and people development.
Entrusted with leading the formation of CBO’s Operational Excellence Centre in 2022, he brought together professionals from different disciplines to strengthen support for offshore operations.
His contribution to both the centre and CBO’s Women at the Centre programme demonstrated the breadth of his influence. The judges recognised his initiative, professionalism, and drive, as well as his commitment to technical excellence and equality.
Environmental Sustainability Project of the Year: Jan De Nul — AquaForest
Jan De Nul won for AquaForest in Ecuador, where dredged sediments were reused to create a 50-hectare intertidal island designed to encourage mangrove growth.
The project combines habitat creation with coastal protection and carbon sequestration. Scientific monitoring with local and international partners supports evaluation of its ecological performance, while the site also supports research, environmental education, ecotourism, sustainable fishing and aquaculture.
The judging panel singled out the project’s scale, strong engagement with local communities and potential to provide a model for other ports and coastlines.
Special recognition for NUI
IMCA also recognised NUI’s contribution to the offshore industry and diver safety over five decades.
The special recognition acknowledged its work since 1976 in shaping the standards, equipment, and procedures that protect divers, as well as its ongoing contribution to underwater safety and innovation.
Closing the ceremony, IMCA congratulated all shortlisted entrants, recognising their selection as an achievement to be proud of, and thanked the judges and awards sponsors, Cyan Renewables and Supreme Hydro Engineering, for their support.
