BIMCO is the principal independent not for profit trade association of the private shipping industry including ship owners, managers, brokers, agents and many other stakeholders with vested interests in some 65 % of the world’s tonnage. The association acts on behalf of its global membership to promote higher standards and greater harmony in regulatory matters. It is a catalyst for the development and promotion of fair and equitable international shipping policy. BIMCO is accredited as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), holds observer status with a number of United Nations organs and is in close dialogue with maritime administrations, regulatory institutions and other stakeholders within the EU, the USA and Asia. The association provides one of the most comprehensive sources of practical shipping information and a broad range of advisory and consulting services to its members.