The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has announced the winners of the 2025 IMCA Awards, presented during the Gala Dinner at the IMCA Global Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This year’s award has attracted a record number of entries from across IMCA’s global membership, reflecting continued progress in safety, sustainability, innovation, and workforce development within the marine contracting industry.
The Judging panels reported a particularly strong standard across all six categories, with winning entries selected for their measurable impact, technical excellence, and potential for wider industry adoption.
Health and Safety Project of the Year – Sponsored by KB Associates
Winner: Saipem – Fail Safe with Human Performance
Saipem’s multi-year programme was recognised for embedding human performance principles across its global operations, shifting the organisation from “fail lucky” to “fail safe.” The judges highlighted its award-winning training film, widespread implementation through workshops and global training, and its ability to strengthen operational barriers and foster meaningful learning at all levels.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Project of the Year – Sponsored by McDermott
Winner: BSM – OceanOpt – Emission Excellence for Cleaner Oceans
BSM’s OceanOpt platform was selected for delivering a step-change in emissions optimisation and regulatory compliance. The judging panel highlighted its comprehensive automation of IMO DCS, EU MRV, EU ETS, and FuelEU reporting, alongside advanced voyage optimisation, biofuel modelling, and the innovative FuelEU Pooling Marketplace. The project demonstrates clear alignment with IMO 2030 and 2050 targets.
Environmental Sustainability Project of the Year – Sponsored by Cornerstone Offshore
Winner: RWE – SeaMe
RWE’s SeaMe initiative was commended for redefining offshore biodiversity monitoring using AI-enabled drones, subsea robotics, and eDNA sampling. Judges praised its ability to replace intrusive, carbon-intensive survey methods with a continuous, non-invasive monitoring system piloted at the Kaskasi Wind Farm, setting a new benchmark for sustainable offshore operations.
Innovation and Technology Project of the Year – Sponsored by Unidive Subsea
Winner: Interocean – Digital Asset Management
Interocean’s digital asset management solution was recognised for integrating digital twins, 3D scanning, UAV inspections, and AI-driven predictive modelling to significantly improve integrity assurance. Judges noted the project’s measurable safety benefits, including reduced confined space entry and its impact on lowering maintenance budgets, inventory costs, and equipment failure rates.
People Development Project of the Year – Sponsored by MISC
Winner: McDermott – Advancing Engineering Excellence Through People
McDermott received the award for its long-term commitment to developing local engineering capability in Malaysia. Judges praised its structured graduate programmes, leadership pathways, and the organisation’s designation as a certified Great Place to Work. The initiative has supported the expansion of McDermott’s Kuala Lumpur office from 30 to more than 1,000 employees, strengthening national talent pipelines.
Rising Star Award – Sponsored by Hibiscus Petroleum
Winner: ADNOC – Sherifa Yousif Abdulla
Sherifa Yousif Abdulla was honoured for her exemplary professionalism and rapid advancement as the first Emirati female officer on an ADNOC Logistics & Services commercial vessel. The judges highlighted her strong operational competence, leadership, and the inspiration she provides for future talent entering the maritime sector.
The judging panels reported an exceptional standard across all categories, noting that this year’s entries demonstrated clear, verifiable progress in areas fundamental to the industry’s future. Projects delivered measurable reductions in emissions, strengthened frontline safety performance, advanced digitalisation at scale, and expanded high-quality workforce development pathways. Collectively, the submissions reflected a sector investing in capability, innovation, and operational excellence with a level of maturity not seen in previous years.
Iain Grainger (pictured above), IMCA Chief Executive, stated: “This year’s winners exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and technical excellence in our industry. Their work demonstrates how disciplined innovation, strong safety leadership and a commitment to environmental stewardship can deliver measurable, meaningful progress offshore. I want to thank our members for the calibre of their submissions and for their continued engagement in IMCA’s mission. As we look ahead, we are determined to build on this momentum and support the industry in achieving even greater levels of performance, resilience and operational integrity.”
