IMCS Marine and Cargo surveyors - History
History
The history of the IMCS Group of Companies goes back to 1990 when IMCS – Belgium was founded in Antwerp. Apart from local survey and consultancy work in the Belgian ports, the surveyors of the Antwerp office were frequently asked to carry out surveys abroad. Overseas missions and working together with other survey and consultancy companies, as well as the need for a more permanent representation in a number of focal maritime locations worldwide, triggered the idea of setting up an international IMCS network with highly qualified and experienced surveyors.
Between 1995 and 2005, IMCS branch offices were set up in strategic locations throughout Europe, and in the Baltic and Black Sea areas. Strategic locations are not only well known busy ports, but also locations from where more remote areas can easily be reached. After 2005, further expansion included representation in overseas areas such as China, Central and South-America.
In 2001, the IMCS Group of Companies was founded as an umbrella organization in England with a view to strengthening ties between the different IMCS companies, streamlining survey and reporting standards and improving professionalism through an in-house quality system, training programmes, seminars and Group meetings.
The set-up of the IMCS Network is unique in that it consists of Members, Associate Members and Affiliate Members. At present, the IMCS Group of Companies comprises 12 full IMCS Members and is further strengthened by 7 Associate and 4 Affiliate Members. Click here if you want to know more about the Associate and Affiliate Member scheme.
Whilst the IMCS Group of Companies is now well established internationally, opportunities for expanding the present network are continuously being explored, although it should be said that rapid expansion has never been a goal in itself and attention still remains focused on professionalism and providing high quality survey standards. Companies or individuals who may be interested in joining forces with the IMCS Group of Companies are always welcome to contact the IMCS Group Chairman on waltervervloesem@telenet.be