As former chairman of OCEAN from 2006-2011 and for decades member of the board of  the “Koninklijke Belgische Beroepsvereniging der Scheepsbevoorraders” (Royal Belgian Ship Suppliers Association), which was one of the founding fathers of OCEAN, I am honoured to reflect on the many issues that made OCEAN more important than ever during the last two decades.

The Chairman of OCEAN, Costino Zavoianni, and the Vice Chair, Carl Forsman look back at 50 years of OCEAN, the European Ship Suppliers Organization and conclude that OCEAN's work is more relevant than ever before.

 In Spring 1976, OCEAN was set up as a committee of ISSA. An article in The Ship Supplier recalls the events.

 On 23rd June 2016, the British public voted in favor of Brexit, or exit, from the European Union (EU). Of the British electorate, 17.4 million (51.9%) voted for Brexit, compared to 16.1 million (48.1%) for continued membership, with an overall turnout of 72.2%, higher than most expected. Ten years after the referendum, we meet with Mr. Cupido again and ask him about his opinion on Brexit - 10 years on.

ISSA's President Mr Rafael Fernandez, representing the International Shipsuppliers & Services Association (ISSA) and 1,500 ship suppliers throughout the world, congratulates OCEAN on the organisation's 50th birthday celebrations.
 

From internal politics in 1989 to navigating Brexit in 2021, Wolfgang Sump’s 34-year journey on the OCEAN Board reflects the evolution of European ship supply. Discover an insider’s look at mastering EU veterinary, VAT, and customs affairs, and building a unified maritime trade voice.

Sveriges ship supply is evolving. Introducing Sveriges Fartygsleverantörer—a modern home for the entire ship supply ecosystem.

Chair of OCEAN's Excise expert group, Victor Aguilera, argues that in OCEAN' 50th anniversary, European ship suppliers face rising pressure from environmental rules, tax digitalization, and customs reform, reshaping costs and operations. Heading into the neyt 50 years, OCEAN must guide members, harmonize compliance, and influence policymakers to ensure sector competitiveness. At the same time, geopolitical shifts and security concerns demand proactive engagement to protect Europe’s strategic trade interests.

In this blog entry, Rafael Fernández congratulates OCEAN on its 50th anniversary in 2026. He praises its vital role as an ISSA committee and the voice of European ship supply, highlighting how their close collaboration drives global quality standards, sustainability, and maritime industry growth.

With France representing the world’s second marine space and over 525,000 jobs, ship supply remains a hidden titan. As OCEAN celebrates 50 years in 2026, we must bridge the visibility gap to ensure this vital industry remains a first-choice career, argues Axel Barat, Chair of SNAN, the French Ship Suppliers Organisation.

As OCEAN celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, our new logo signals a leap into the future of ship supply in Europe. It combines maritime heritage with European identity, embodying innovation, cross-border collaboration, and the dynamic nature of our sector, argues Arne Mielken, Secretary General of OCEAN.

The sails are set, the espresso is brewing, and a historic celebratory year is officially underway in under a month. Stay tuned for what’s ahead! The Chairman reports.

Former Secretary General of OCEAN and UECBV reflects on 15 years of impactful collaboration between the two organisations from 2005 to 2019, highlighting shared priorities in meat trade, veterinary policy, and customs facilitation.

As OCEAN turns 50 in 2026, the Cyprus Ship Suppliers Association (CSSA) reflects on its role in EU policy, regional cooperation, and the vital bridge Cyprus plays between Europe and the Mediterranean’s Southern Neighborhood.

Former OCEAN and ISSA Chairman Jens Olsen (1998-2008) reflects on the founding years of OCEAN and key developments in the first two decades of the organization which has made OCEAN the strong and effective representative for the European Ship Supply industry it is today. 

What does a half-century of representing ship suppliers across Europe look like? And why is it more relevant than ever in today’s changing trade and customs landscape? Nick Mavrikos, Chair of the Greek Ship Suppliers & Exporters Association, sat down with Executive Director Arne Mielken to reflect on the past, the present, and the future of OCEAN as the organisation approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026.

OCEAN – The European Ship Suppliers Organization – will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking five decades of service, advocacy, and industry leadership. Vice-Chair Carl Forsman shares preliminary ideas for a year-long celebration focused on honouring the past, navigating the present, and shaping the future.

The Chair of the Latvian Ship Suppliers Association, Olg Butenko, reflects on the transformative impact of Single Window Systems in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and coordination within Baltic port operations. He highlights how regional collaboration and digital innovation are reshaping ship supply logistics and setting a new standard for maritime trade.

How does the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) impact ship supply? While many suppliers are exempt, sustainability remains a key industry priority, argues Axel Barat

2025: A Year of Growth & Change for European Ship Supply! OCEAN leads the way with regulatory develpments & modernisation, argues the Chair of OCEAN, Costantino Zavoianni.

Leaving Seville, I am filled with immense pride and admiration for what we, as a global ship supply community, have achieved at ISSA 2024. This event, in my memory, has been the most successful ISSA gathering in Europe since I first attended in London in 1975. It was a true testament to the resilience, unity, and strength of our industry—not just in Europe but worldwide.