ISSA 2024 Seville: A Global Celebration of Unity and Cooperation
By Alfredo Tosato, Former Vice-Chair & Chair of OCEAN
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.
A Gathering of Strength and Opportunity
The success of ISSA 2024 lay in its ability to bring together a remarkably large and diverse group of ship suppliers, alongside an influential delegation of shipowners and ship managers. The one-on-one meetings fostered genuine business opportunities, strengthening the vital links between suppliers and their clients. This format—allowing for direct dialogue and collaboration—proved to be one of the defining elements of the event.
Beyond business discussions, the decision to host the convention in a large, fully accommodating venue ensured a seamless experience. By staying together under one roof for the duration of the event, participants were able to forge deeper connections, exchange ideas informally, and strengthen the bonds that keep our industry united. This should serve as a blueprint for future ISSA conventions.
Debating the Critical Issues That Shape Our Industry
One of the most valuable aspects of ISSA 2024 was the presence of special guests, thought leaders, and key stakeholders who contributed to critical debates. We tackled pressing issues such as:
- Port attendance complexities – addressing inefficiencies and seeking standardised solutions.
- Customs formalities – ensuring smoother cross-border operations amid evolving regulatory landscapes.
- Food regulations – navigating stricter compliance requirements for provisions supplied to ships.
- Quality assurance – ensuring consistency and safety in the products and services provided to the maritime industry.
- Trade issues & sanctions – tackling the evolving global trade landscape, the impact of sanctions, and how to navigate complex international trade rules.
- Sustainability & climate change – embracing green practices, reducing carbon footprints, and aligning with global environmental standards.
These discussions were not just theoretical—they were grounded in the lived realities of our ship supply community. The active participation of attendees in these debates demonstrated a shared commitment to tackling the challenges we all face and ensuring that our sector continues to thrive.
Proud of Europe’s Unity, Calling for Global Cooperation
As a former Vice-Chair and Chair of OCEAN, I was particularly moved by the strong European presence at ISSA 2024. European ship supply companies stood together, demonstrating resilience, cooperation, and a unified vision for the future. At a time when global markets are experiencing profound shifts, Europe’s ability to stand together is not just important—it is essential.
But beyond Europe, the challenges we face in ship supply are global, and they demand global solutions. The ISSA 2024 convention underscored the need for even stronger cooperation among ship suppliers worldwide. Some of the most pressing challenges include:
- Regulatory alignment – ensuring global consistency in customs procedures, food safety, and environmental compliance.
- Supply chain disruptions – tackling the impact of geopolitical tensions, logistical bottlenecks, and economic uncertainty.
- Sustainability – developing greener supply chains, reducing waste, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
- Digitalisation – embracing new technologies for streamlined operations, improved tracking, and enhanced transparency.
- Workforce development – attracting and training the next generation of ship supply professionals.
These challenges cannot be solved in isolation. They require collaboration, knowledge sharing, and unified industry action. The global ship supply community must work together—across continents, industries, and regulatory frameworks—to drive meaningful change and future-proof our sector.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Singapore 2025
Seville was a milestone—but it is not the end. It is the beginning of a new chapter for ISSA, OCEAN, and the global ship supply industry. As we set our sights on ISSA 2025 in Singapore, we must build upon the momentum created in Seville. We must continue to foster unity, address the challenges that define our industry, and ensure that ship supply remains an essential and thriving global sector.
The European ship supply community has shown its strength. Now, let’s take that strength to the world stage.
Alfredo Tosato
Former Vice-Chair & Chair of OCEAN
