The World Maritime University (WMU) operates under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), a specialised agency of the United Nations. WMU thus enjoys the status, privileges and immunities of a UN institution in Sweden.

WMU is truly an organisation by and for the international maritime community. Its basic aim is to further enhance the objectives and goals of IMO and IMO member states around the world. It operates on the basis of a Charter adopted by the IMO Assembly, and is accountable to the IMO Secretary-General, Council and Assembly, and to an international Board of Governors composed of representatives of some 50 different governmental, industry, labour and educational bodies.