The IMarEST is the largest global professional membership body for those in all sectors of the marine industry and 7th March 2002 sees the Official Launch of the new Institute of Marine Engineering, science and technology (IMarEST) at its HQ in the City of London. The Institute, which has sprung from the institute of marine engineers (IMarE), is the first of the professional institutes to formally recognise the need to bring together all those engineering, scientific and technology professionals who work in the maritime field so that their synergy of interest can be developed and extended. IMarEST is also the first institute to be able to extend Chartered status to scientists and technologists.

The outgoing President, Professor tom ruxton, has been urging Institutions to change with the times and provide a range of pertinent services that meet the needs of their members at a time when theirs and industry's requirements are broadening. This is a concept that was strongly embraced by the IMarEST's members at their final AGM last year when the formation of the new Institute received their overwhelming support. IMarEST and its members will have a major role to play in the development of the maritime economy world-wide.

The IMarEST is represented on the UK's Science Council and the new Engineering and Technology Board as well as having significant international links with organisations such as the IMO, UK Maritime Forum and the Foresight Marine Panel. It has over 47 branches world-wide in the five divisions: Europe, the Americas, Australia/New Zealand, East Asia, and Mid-East.