The IMC is an independent, non-profit organization with a volunteer Board of Directors representing shipping and shipping-related industries. The day-to-day operations of the IMC are managed by a sub-committee of the Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia.

The mission of IMC is to promote, foster, and encourage the development of British Columbia as a location for the ownership, central control and management of international shipping firms. Its mandate is to:

• Provide advice and input to the federal and provincial governments regarding the legislative and regulatory framework required to enhance the development of the international shipping sector in Canada and British Columbia;
  

• Promote British Columbia to the international shipping industry as a maritime centre location and actively solicit shipping companies to relocate operations; and
  
• Provide advice, information and assistance to shipping companies interested in establishing, expanding or retaining shipping operations in British Columbia.

The IMC played an instrumental role in persuading the Government of Canada to change the tax and regulatory framework applying to international shipping firms operating in Canada. These changes make Canada generally, and British Columbia in particular, an attractive headquarters location for international shipping. The IMC initiative has resulted in 20 international shipping companies establishing operations in British Columbia over the past few years.

For more information contact:

International Maritime Centre
Unit 100-111 West Hastings St
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada, V6E 2J3

Telephone (604) 681-2351
Facsimile (604) 681-4364