Sveriges Skeppshandlareforbund says Hej, the proud Sveriges Skeppshandlareforbund, which is represented by its Chairman, Carl Forsman, introduces itself and emphasises the significance of ship providing for Northern Europe!

Every trade association has to evolve, and OCEAN is no different. As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2026, we need to reflect on how we serve our members and defend our interest in a much different geopolitical situation than before. Different times need different answers.

In Italy, a new VAT reporting method has been implemented, which impacts Italian ship suppliers. OCEAN’s Vice-President Costantino Zavoianni, CEO of PROMED (Provveditorie Marittime del Mediterraneo SpA), discusses the influence and role of the national association of Italy, ANPAN, in making the reporting system effective for Italian ship providers.

Alexander Alexandrov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Ship Suppliers Association, BSSA, reflects on a turbulent year for ship supply at the Black Sea Ports.

People often wonder how I learned all this "customs stuff" about ship supplies. This year, 2022, represents my 40th year working in ship supply, supporting and strengthening the Dutch and European Maritime Sector, making it more competitive and fascinating, every day, step by step, supply by supply. I became Chair of the OCEAN Working Group on Customs in the early 2000s and served in that capacity for more than a decade, during which time I collaborated with some of the industry's most seasoned authorities. In my day-to-day work, I troubleshoot problems for customers and resolve intricate customs obstacles to get our wares onto a ship on schedule. Here is my story in ship supply.

The capacity to provide ships with tobacco products and alcoholic drinks is crucial for contemporary shipping and satisfies the needs of seafarers, captains and shipowners who operate in challenging circumstances. According to Eugenio Mediavilla, the General Secretary of the Asociación Espaola de Suministradores Martimos, governments should collaborate with ship suppliers to guarantee that ship crew needs and requirements can be satisfied efficiently.