The premises of the IMO International Maritime Law Institute are provided by the Government of Malta. All other operating costs are met by voluntary contributions from governments, companies, foundations and international development assistance organisations

IMLI requires funding generally to enable the further consolidation of its institutional stability and security and in particular to support:
a) its core staff;
b) scholarships for lawyers from developing States;
c) the costs of visiting lecturers;
d) the consolidation of its library facilities and research programmes.