Interferry is the only shipping association representing the ferry industry world-wide. There are currently 200 members from 25 countries. Interferry was originally formed in 1976 as the International Marine Transit Association in order to:

• Research and collect information on developments within and affecting the ferry industry
• Exchange information and technical data through an international network of members
• Stimulate industry cooperation and advancement by providing a forum for people to share experiences and learn from others.   

In 2001 the Association adopted a new name, Interferry, and launched a new initiative to expand its role in meeting the needs of the global ferry industry in important areas such as:

• Safety
• Security
• Environment
• Operations
• Management
• Regulations

In fulfilling these roles Interferry has attained Consultative Status at the International Maritime Organization and Observer Status at the European Community Shipowners Association.

Over the past three decades networking within the industry has been facilitated by the Annual Interferry Conference. The conference has been held in many different areas of the world, including the following sites of recent and future conferences:

• Venice, Italy - 2000
• Seattle, USA - 2001
• Brisbane, Australia - 2002
• Rotterdam, Netherlands - 2003
• Freeport, Bahamas – 2004
• Athens, Greece – 2005
• Long Beach, USA - 2006
• Stockholm, Sweden -2007
• Hong Kong, China - 2008
• Istanbul, Turkey - 2009