Established in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the CAIM Group represents a historic evolution in maritime services, transitioning from a local cooperative to an international provider of navigation, safety, and communication solutions. The organization traces its roots back to August 1945 in Genoa, Italy, when it was founded as Cooperativa Armamento Imprese Marittime (Maritime Enterprises Armament Cooperative). Initiated by Master Giuseppe Messina alongside members of the Italian Navy, the original entity was created to provide employment for war veterans, sailors, and the families of fallen soldiers.
In its earliest years, the cooperative focused on essential post-war activities such as clearing mines from the port of Genoa and outfitting various types of vessels. As the maritime industry recovered and modernized, the company shifted its focus toward technical specialization, developing workshops for repairing nautical instruments like sextants and compasses. This technical expertise laid the groundwork for its eventual role as a primary distributor of cartographic materials. Over the decades, the enterprise secured status as a major international agent for hydrographic offices, including the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO), supplying fleets with essential navigational charts and publications.
In recent years, specifically around 2022, the organization formally consolidated its expanded capabilities under the banner of CAIM Group. This strategic unification brought together a network of specialized companies operating across different marine sectors to offer a comprehensive "one-stop shop" for shipowners and management companies. The group’s operational scope now encompasses a wide array of services, ranging from traditional paper charts and digital navigation data to complex bridge systems and marine safety equipment.
Headquartered in Genoa, the group has expanded its physical presence beyond the Mediterranean, establishing operational hubs in strategic maritime locations such as Miami and Singapore. This global footprint allows the company to provide twenty-four-hour logistical support and technical assistance to merchant vessels worldwide. Today, the group is recognized for bridging the gap between traditional seamanship and modern digital compliance, supplying software for voyage planning, environmental monitoring, and fleet tracking while maintaining its historical legacy as a supplier of physical safety signage, pyrotechnics, and firefighting systems. through this diversified approach, the CAIM Group supports the safety and efficiency of global shipping operations, ensuring vessels remain compliant with complex international regulations.
