CIMAC granted consultative status by IMO

CIMAC has been officially granted consultative status with IMO after submitting an application in early 2024.

While noting "any organisation seeking consultative status with IMO has to demonstrate considerable expertise as well as the capacity to contribute, within its field of competence, to the work of IMO," IMO outlines a relatively informal procedure for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) applying for consulatitve status.

A United Nations-based organisation, IMO works with NGOs, its member states and intergovernmental organisations, saying they "play an active role in the work for IMO: they contribute to the discussions in the various IMO organs by providing expert advice to IMO member states in their respective areas of work".

CIMAC describes itself as "a global platform for discussion" by way of a series of events including the tri-annual CIMAC Congress and others.

"The content-related work evolves around CIMAC’s Strategy and Workings Groups which produce publications on various topics," the NGO said.

CIMAC secretary general Peter Müller-Baum said, “Within IMO, CIMAC will concentrate on digitalisation, non-shaftline propulsion, automation and system integration. Our members have a great deal of expertise in this area, and we are looking forward to the new tasks and will do our best to support the International Maritime Organization.”

CIMAC president Rick Boom said the organisation looks forward to sharing its expertise with IMO around subjects ranging from large engines, power, drives and propulsion.
“We are convinced CIMAC’s work can contribute to achieving IMO’s goals,” Mr Boom said.
CIMAC vice president for digitalisation Eero Lehtovaara said digitalisation also holds a great deal of potential to improve shipping’s current status quo. 

"Just think of efficiency gains through digitalisation, for example. We want to encourage the maritime industry to embrace digitalisation and implement it. We hope closer co-operation can contribute to faster implementation,” he said.

CIMAC is the leading global non-profit association promoting the development of ship propulsion, train drive and power generation. The association consists of National Member Associations and Corporate Members in America, Asia and Europe. CIMAC provides a forum for technical interchange with all parties interested in piston engines, gas turbine systems, non-shaftline propulsion systems, automation and controls, system integration and digitalisation solutions.