Over 600 companies in 52 countries are now members of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). This news will be officially announced at a function being held at Offshore Europe on Thursday 10 September by the association, which represents offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies.
"Only a year ago we were able to announce we had reached 500 members, and a year before that at Offshore Europe 2007 we announced we had 400 companies in 47 countries; now we have reached 625." said Hugh Williams, IMCA's Chief Executive. "The past year has seen truly dramatic growth in terms of both the number of member companies and geographical reach - no mean feat considering the state of the economy and the industry. Our members are realising the benefit of speaking with one voice; benefitting from the IMCA 'knowledge base; and, sharing information'."
IMCA reached 200 member companies in 2002; and then took four years to pass the 300 mark in 2006. "It is most rewarding to think that just three years later we have more than double the number of member companies with a far wider geographic spread," said Williams.
"It is very much the international aspects of IMCA that have helped the membership numbers increase so rapidly; the global spread of our message has generated growth across all membership categories from Contractors and Suppliers, through to Corresponding Members who are our oil company, government agency and other associations in membership. We have a very definite role to play helping to ensure safe operations throughout the industry."
(www.imca-int.com)