International Marine Contractors Association Announces 2026 Award Winners
The annual awards recognize excellence in innovation, safety, and sustainability across the global marine industry.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Awards
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The International Marine Contractors Association presented its 2026 awards during the Global Summit Gala Dinner held in Antwerp. The event honored five industry leaders for projects ranging from technological breakthroughs to sustainability initiatives.
Why it matters
These awards celebrate achievements that advance marine contracting standards and facilitate the sharing of practical innovations. By highlighting successful pilot projects and programs, the association aims to drive industry-wide improvements in safety and operational performance.
Award recipients were selected from 15 finalists based on operational benefits and industry learning potential. Notable achievements include a gas transfer system that is eight times faster than standard units and a 50-hectare intertidal island for mangroves.
The players
Seaway7
This company is a global leader in the delivery of offshore wind farm projects.
SmartDives
This organization specializes in developing innovative subsea technology and diving solutions.
CBO
This maritime company operates a specialized fleet and provides logistical support for offshore activities.
Jan De Nul
This international group provides maritime construction, civil engineering, and environmental services.
NUI
This organization is a major research institution based in Bergen, Norway, focused on underwater safety and testing.
The details
Winning initiatives included Seaway7's safety pilot project, SmartDives' portable compressor technology, and Jan De Nul's environmental AquaForest project in Ecuador. Additionally, CBO received recognition for a gender equality program, while NUI was honored for 50 years of contributions to diver safety.
Timeline
1976 marked the beginning of NUI's work in diver safety standards.
2022 was when Gabriel Caspary formed CBO's Operational Excellence Centre.
October 28, 2026, was the date the IMCA presented awards at the Global Summit Gala Dinner.
Culture Shift
The 2026 ceremony follows the historical pattern set by the International Marine Contractors Association annual awards program. This year marks a notable evolution toward prioritizing environmental sustainability and social diversity alongside traditional technical safety metrics.
Readers working within the maritime and offshore sectors can adopt these proven pilot programs to enhance safety and efficiency in their own operations. Implementing proven technologies like high-speed gas transfer systems can directly reduce operational downtime and labor-intensive maintenance cycles.
The takeaway
The recognition of these projects underscores how industry collaboration and data-sharing can significantly accelerate progress in safety and environmental standards. Professionals should examine these specific case studies to identify which technologies and programs are most scalable for their regional operations.
Further reading
For more on industry achievements, visit our Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ocean News & Technology.
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