Between 14 - 17 October, the Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Istanbul, Turkey. The event took place at a pivotal moment for the association as the current Executive Committee completed its first year. During this time, they have built up a number of topic-specific teams with volunteers from around the world. Now up and running, these teams have opened up a series of discussions, including those taking place during the panel events at the AGM.
The meeting brought together a broad delegation, ensuring diverse representation across a wide range of industry-related topics. Amongst the subjects discussed at the AGM were the challenges posed by the current geopolitical climate. This session was opened by Mr. Metin Düzgit, Vice President of the International Chamber of Shipping. It dealt with topics such as the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as US tariff reforms.
Risk and compliance
As is usual at the AGM, transport insurance specialists ITIC delivered a workshop. These are always followed with interest by delegates who are given an opportunity to provide their views on real-life cases.
As part of FONASBA’s ongoing commitment to support its members, the association is enhancing its collaboration with protection and indemnity (P&I) Clubs and leading maritime law firms. The goal is to establish a FONASBA one-to-one “clinic” service for members who encounter professional challenges requiring legal or insurance guidance. This initiative will offer members initial advice when facing complex legal or insurance issues in their daily work.
Rise of digitalisation
Expert panels also considered the increasing levels of digitalisation faced by the sector, including growing numbers of third-party digital service providers and the development of AI.
The panels agreed that digital innovation holds the potential to benefit everyday activities for brokers and agents, as does any tool, but that care must be taken to maintain the balance of professionalism and the human role. Within this, FONASBA has a clear role to play in ensuring that digitalisation plays a supporting role, as opposed to substituting the role of people.
Recognised quality standard
The impact of digitalisation was also debated in relation to the development of the FONASBA Quality Standard (FQS). Over the past few years, the FQS has become a widely recognised symbol of professionalism in the ship agency sector, distinguishing qualified, compliant and ethical agents worldwide. The programme has, additionally, been fully endorsed by BIMCO across its standard documents. It is, therefore, a mark increasingly sought by stakeholders.
A dedicated FQS working group has taken on the task of reviewing the accreditation in order to ensure that it continues to evolve in line with industry changes, while retaining its current identity.
Evolving strategic direction
A further session explored the strategic direction of FONASBA in light of changes in the sector and the growing role of brokers and agents. This explored the possibility of broadening membership criteria to adapt to what national associations and private companies are already doing, including stakeholders from adjacent professions such as freight forwarders, logistics, insurance, legal and port services, in order to accurately reflect the diversity within the industry.
“The AGM has been very successful, both in terms of the number of people who attended, and in the very high levels of interest and participation in the topics discussed. We are grateful for the tremendous hospitality of our three FONASBA members in Türkiye, and in particular, Mr. Tamer Kiran of the Turkish Chamber of Shipping and Maritime Association of Shipowners and Agents and Shipbrokers Association.- FONASBA President Fulvio Carlini
“A notable feature of the event was the exploration of the strategic development of the association. FONASBA began 56 years ago as an association of national associations, but the world has changed, and our industry has changed with it. We are no longer just brokers, or agents, but are part of a broader logistical chain. Therefore, we are exploring the possibility to attract the interest of players from adjacent professions. Such a move could further enable us to strengthen global connections, share knowledge and insights, and shape the future of our industry."
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