In an exclusive reflection, Jens Olsen, Company Director, OCEAN Treasurer, and former OCEAN Chairman (1998-2004), as well as Ex ISSA President (2009-2014), shares his insights on the recent changes in European institutions and what they mean for the ship supply sector. You won't want to miss his perspective on how these shifts will impact our industry.

In this blog entry, ISSA Executive Vice President Keijo Hiltunen proposes creating regional "OCEAN-like" groups for ISSA members worldwide, drawing on the principles of OCEAN's cross-border collaboration while adapting them to local contexts. He emphasizes the potential for these groups to foster cooperation, share best practices, and tackle industry challenges at the upcoming ISSA66 Convention in Seville.

The Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) regulation, introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), requires ship suppliers to track and report hazardous materials in their goods to ensure environmental protection. While initially burdensome, the integration of IHM compliance into ERP systems has streamlined the process, reducing administrative challenges and making adherence more manageable.

In a recent discussion, Steeve Eldred, Vice Chair of the OCEAN Veterinary Working Group, delves into the intricate challenges posed by the UK's Border Operating Model (BTOM) on shipping supplies of Products of Animal Origin (POAO) to UK ports from a ship supply perspective. The BTOM, introduced in August 2023, has imposed stringent regulations that complicate what used to be routine deliveries. Eldred explains how these new requirements, ranging from health certificates to physical inspections, impact the maritime industry and what potential solutions could ease the burden.

The 2024 European elections significantly impact the ship supply industry. The new Parliament, under President Roberta Metsola from Malta, will make decisions on customs, VAT, sustainability, and port infrastructure that will shape the regulatory environment, affecting daily operations and future growth.

Mr Peter de Haas Jr., Chair of the Working Group on Customs, and member of the Dutch Ship Supply Association  has expressed concerns regarding the potential unintended consequences of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on ship supplies. CBAM, designed to prevent carbon leakage by imposing a carbon price on imports, may inadvertently impact ship supplies. Here is how

In this blog entry, find out how the Sustainability Working Group of the Dutch Ship Supply Association, part of OCEAN, is dedicated to navigating new sustainability laws and regulations, such as the EU Deforestation Regulation and the Fit for 55 package, by fostering compliance and practical solutions through member collaboration, engagement with local authorities, and a commitment to international corporate social responsibility.

OCEAN's Vice Chair, Carl Forsman, offers his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities that the ship supply industry faces in the year 2024.

Join Costantino Zavaionni, Chair of OCEAN, on a transformative journey through the European Ship Supply Industry's evolution. Discover OCEAN's bold vision for its 50th anniversary in 2026 as Zavaionni unveils progress on OCEAN's strategic priorities and initiatives, aiming to propel the organization to new heights of success. 

As the Belgium Presidency of the European Union (EU) is coming in 2024, it is essential for shipsuppliers to be aware of what they can expect in terms of changes and policies that may affect their industry. The Belgium Presidency aims to promote a sustainable and digital Europe, which will undoubtedly have an impact on the shipping industry.  As we look forward to this Presidency, it's essential to understand what ship suppliers may expect.

Türkiye's strategic geographical location in the centre of the world's shipping trade offers the Turkish Ship Supply Sector significant advantages: Since there are only two maritime routes to the Black Sea—the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles—the Turkish Ship Supply Industry and TURSSA bear a great deal of responsibility both nationally and globally. Without us, shipping cannot take place in the way many are used to.

As we look back on the 5th Spanish EU Presidency, it becomes evident that it was a remarkably fruitful period for shipsupply in Spain and Europe.

As the curtains draw to a close, the captivating six-month rotating Spanish Presidency of the European Council is reaching its grand finale. A moment of introspection awaits.

In a dazzling display of leadership, Spain took the reins as the President of the Council of the EU for an impressive fifth time, from 1 July to 31 December 2023. During this time, it took on the critical role of orchestrating Council meetings and serving as the Council's ambassador to other influential EU institutions. The role of the Council presidency is like a skilled mediator, ensuring fairness and guiding EU Member States towards fruitful agreements.

The 2023 annual Conference and Gala Dinner of the International Shipsuppliers & Services Association (ISSA) is scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from the 24th to the 25th of October, 2023. The next event will also include the election process for the new President of ISSA. In the present blog post, Rafael Fernández, a candidate contending for the position of President in the next ISSA Presidency Election, articulates his aspirations and objectives for the ISSA organisation.

The 2023 annual Conference and Gala Dinner of the International Shipsuppliers & Services Association (ISSA) is scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from the 24th to the 25th of October, 2023. The next event will also include the election process for the new President of ISSA. In the present blog post, Mr. Jim Costalos, a candidate contending for the position of President in the next ISSA Presidency Election, articulates his aspirations and objectives for the ISSA organisation.

In this blog entry, the recently elected Chair of OCEAN, Mr Costantino Zavoianni, shares his impression of the first months in the post and comments on the future challenges affronting EU ship supply.

Eric Barat, an esteemed figure as the President of the prestigious French Ship suppliers Association (SNAN), sheds light on the ease with which French ship suppliers can form productive partnerships with their European peers.

2023 is a particular year for TURSSA, due to its 20th anniversary. The Turkish Ship Suppliers Association (TURSSA) represents the ship supply industry of Turkey and was founded on July 4th, 2003. TURSSA has a longstanding partnership with ISSA and OCEAN and serves as a connection between its national members and the global ship supply community. In this blog entry, the President of TURSSA,  Zihni Memisoglu, reflects.

According to the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, shipowners are required to create and keep an inventory of hazardous materials (IHM). What part do ship suppliers play in it? ISSA, the International Ship Suppliers Association, had been receiving queries and concerns from OCEAN ship supplier members relating to their responsibilities under EU Ship Recycling Regulations (SRR) Important to talk the issues through. We present an interesting discussion and webinar. 

The EU Ship Recycling Regulation specifies that shipowners must establish and maintain an inventory of hazardous materials (IHM). What is the role of ship suppliers in it?

Sean Moloney, ISSA's Secretary, explains why ISSA's decision to admit shipowners and ship management companies as Honorary Members is a significant and strategic move. Read why it accentuates the significance of dialogue and cooperation between suppliers and purchasers as we all strive to achieve an efficient and effective procurement operation, future-proofed for the coming months, and assist each other in complying with IMO environmental regulations.

Costantino Zavoianni from Italian Member ANPAN and Carl Forsman, Chairman of the Swedish Sveriges Skeppshandlareforbund have been elected Chair and Vice Chair and entrusted to take OCEAN into it's 50th. They will serve from 2023 to 2025.