WEGEMT is a European Association of 42 Universities in 17 countries. It was formed in 1978 with the aim of increasing the knowledge base, and updating and extending the skills and competence of practicing engineers and postgraduate students working at an advanced level in marine technology and related sciences. The Associates are drawn from universities in Europe, including Scandinavia, the former Eastern Europe and the CIS. They have a capability, expertise and experience to teach and carry out research in marine technology and related sciences.

Day to day running of WEGEMT activities is carried out through its Secretariat, which is based at 10 Upper Belgrave Street in London at the offices of The Royal Institution of Naval Architects.The Secretariat's role is key to the organisation, providing information to the Associates about WEGEMT activities, and encouraging and supporting their involvement in new initiatives. The Secretariat also undertakes the management of many of WEGEMT's activities, it supports the Executive Committee and acts as a first port of call for customers.

WEGEMT openly collaborates with organisations outside its Association. It is keen to work with industry, professional bodies, classification societies, and other organisations and societies, which are involved with marine technology. In a similar vein, WEGEMT is particularly keen to support and encourage the programmes of Research and Development (R&D), Education and Training (E&T), and Information Exchange and Dissemination, of the European Commission where they target marine technology.