IMarEST launch Chinese office to support professional standards and global collaboration

We have officially launched a Foreign Non-Governmental Organisation (FNGO) Representative Office (RO) in Ningbo, China. The move aims to support China’s rapidly evolving marine sector by strengthening global collaboration and driving professional standards. 

China’s is a global maritime powerhouse, with eight of the world’s top ten ports, and handling nearly 30% of global container traffic. The country is also the second-largest ship-owner by gross tonnage, with an estimated 10% of the global fleet, and in 2024, and Chinese shipyards accounted for 56% of global completions and 74% of new orders.  

Despite this, the industry faces challenges, including a talent supply question and the need for greater participation in global maritime governance. 

Gaining status FNGO secures the IMarEST the required ‘license to operate’ under Chinese Foreign NGO regulations, enabling the Institute to engage with government bodies, benefit from policy incentives and organise events and training in China. 

The launch in Ningbo, the world’s busiest by cargo tonnage, was attended by Chris Goldsworthy (CEO at the IMarEST) and Professor Wang Yuhong (the IMarEST’s Chinese representative). The event aimed to showcase how the IMarEST is using its trusted voice to help shape a united, safe and sustainable future for the marine industry, as well as how the Chinese marine community can engage with international conversations about best practice. 

The Representative Office will focus on four objectives: 

Building a bridge for marine knowledge: Introducing global best practices and technical standards through local workshops and technical lectures. 

Promoting professional development: Connecting universities and industry with the IMarEST’s global resources to enhance skills and career mobility. 

Driving industrial innovation: Facilitating collaboration in areas such as green shipping and decarbonisation. 

Empowering global governance: Supporting Chinese experts to join discussions to shape best practice. 

Professor Wang Yuhong, the IMarEST’s Representative in China, said: “The IMarEST offers an international platform for collaboration across industry, academia, and regulators. By establishing a Representative Office in China, we aim to bridge knowledge gaps, cultivate marine professionals, drive innovation, and empower China’s role in global maritime governance.” 

Chris Goldsworthy, CEO of the IMarEST said:” Our new Representative Office, based in Ningbo, will support marine professionals across China, working in engineering, science and technology. Together with our Chinese partners, we aim to strengthen training, marine research, engineering profession, and industrial innovation.”