FONASBA ANNUAL MEETING TOKYO 2026

Invitation to the FONASBA annual meeting 2026

Dear Delegates and Partners,
We are delighted to extend to you an invitation to attend the FONASBA 2026 Annual Meeting, which will take place in Tokyo, Japan, from Sunday, 11 October to Wednesday, 14 October 2026.
This year’s Annual Meeting will be hosted in partnership with the Japan Association of Foreign-Trade Ship Agencies (JAFSA), and we are very pleased to return to Asia for this important gathering of our global membership.
Building on the outstanding success of our 2025 Annual Meeting in Istanbul, which was marked by excellent participation, high-quality technical discussions, and a strong spirit of collegiality, the Tokyo meeting promises to be equally engaging and rewarding. The Istanbul event demonstrated once again the value of meeting in person, strengthening professional relationships, encouraging open dialogue, and reinforcing the unity of our Federation, and we are confident that Tokyo will continue this positive momentum.
Below is an outline of the provisional programme for the week:

  • Sunday, 11 October 2026
    Welcome Reception
  • Monday, 12 October 2026
    Annual Meeting – Day 1: Plenary Sessions and Seminars
  • Tuesday, 13 October 2026
    Annual Meeting – Day 2: Plenary Sessions and Seminars
  • Wednesday, 14 October 2026
    Annual Meeting – Day 3: Plenary Sessions and Seminars, Council Meeting, Gala Dinner

We would be especially pleased if you could join us from the start of the week and attend the Welcome Reception on Sunday evening, 11 October, which will provide a relaxed and friendly opening to the meeting and an excellent opportunity to reconnect with colleagues.
As in previous years, the programme will include distinguished speakers and focused panel discussions addressing the latest developments and key challenges in our sector. Beyond the formal sessions, there will be numerous opportunities for professional networking and meaningful exchanges throughout the week.
We strongly encourage your association to participate with a full delegation, as broad representation is vital to a dynamic and productive Annual Meeting.
We look forward to the warm welcome from Mr. Iigaki-san and the JAFSA team, whose hospitality will set a positive tone for the week. The Welcome Reception will be followed by three days of seminars and discussions, culminating in the FONASBA Council Meeting on 14 October and concluding with a traditional Gala Dinner, celebrating both our collaboration and the renowned hospitality of Japan.
The Tokyo meeting will offer a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from across our global membership, exchange ideas, and further strengthen our professional and personal ties, all in one of the world’s most dynamic and fascinating cities.
We sincerely hope to welcome you to Tokyo in October 2026.
With our warmest regards,
Fulvio Carlini
President
FONASBA
Takazo Iigaki
President
JAFSA

About the event

The FONASBA Annual Meeting is a key event in the global maritime calendar, bringing together our community to collaborate, exchange ideas, and strengthen international cooperation.

This year in Tokyo, the programme will feature engaging plenary sessions with leading international and local speakers, exploring current challenges and opportunities in shipping, logistics, and maritime policy.

There will be ample opportunity for networking, allowing participants to build new relationships and deepen existing ones. We are especially pleased to welcome several new members again this year, adding fresh perspectives and expanding our global reach.

The programme will also include valuable exposure to Japan’s dynamic maritime sector, offering insight into its innovative practices and strong operational environment—providing a closer look at a vibrant and resilient industry in action.

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Programme

“This page is constantly reviewed and updated: last update was on 30/05/2026”

Below you will find the programmes available to delegates and their accompanying partners. Access to the social schedule and associated activities is included for participants registered under either the Delegate Programme or the Partners Programme.

<DELEGATE PROGRAMME>

The main meeting room for the event is “Etoile” Hall, unless otherwise stated.

<Sunday 11 October 2026>

  • 18:00 – WELCOME RECEPTION*

*Incontro – Restaurant on hotel premises, 2-6-1, Daiba Minato-ku Tokyo, Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba 2nd Floor.  (https://www.tokyo.grandnikko.com/restaurant/incontro/)

<Monday 12 October 2026>

  • 9:30 – ANNUAL MEETING OPENING REMARKS
  • 10:00 – EDUCATION AND QUALITY
  • 14:30 – SHIP BROKING
  • 18:00 – HOSTING COUNTRY TRADITIONAL DINNER AND AFTER DINNER NIGHT TOUR**

** Sushizanmai Okunoin, 4-5-12, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, (https://www.kiyomura.co.jp/store/detail/4). Transportation via bus from and to the hotel will be arranged.

<Tuesday 13th October 2026>

  • 9:30 – ECASBA
  • 14:00 – SHIP AGENCY
  • FREE EVENING

<Wednesday 14 October>

  • 9:30 – HOSTING COUNTRY CONFERENCE
  • 14:30 – FONASBA COUNCIL MEETING
  • 18:30 – GALA DINNER***

***Ginga Hall on the Grand Nikko Hotel premises – 29th floor, 2-6-1, Daiba Minato-ku Tokyo, Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba. (https://www.tokyo.grandnikko.com/banquet/)

<PARTNERS PROGRAMME>

<Monday 12 October 2026>

1Day Tokyo Tour (with English-speaking tour guide) Edo-Tokyo Museum, Ginza area, Hama-Rikyu Gardens, with lunch

<Wednesday 14 October 2026>

1day Cultural Experience Tour in Tokyo (w/English-speaking guide)

Kimono Dressing Experience, Tea ceremony Experience, Asakusa, with lunch

Optional Excursion

<Thursday 15 October 2026>

1Day Sightseeing Tour of The Fuji-Hakone Area (with English-speaking guide) Owaku Valley, Hakone-Checkpoint, Lake Ashi Cruise, Mt. Komagatake Ropeway, with lunch

General information about optional full-day excursion

About Tours All tours will be conducted in English and include transportation by a private, air-conditioned vehicle. The group size will be limited to ensure a more personalized and comfortable experience for participants. Each tour includes the services of a professional guide, entrance fees, lunch, and bottled water. Participants are advised to wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for walking.

Individual Social Events (optional) For those who will not register for the DELEGATE or PARTNERS Programme

Welcome Party: €65 

Gala Dinner: €150

Traditional Dinner & Night Tour: €70

Guest information

<EVENT REGISTRATION FEES>

Delegate fee [€795-]

Partner fee [€695-]

Optional excursion [€230-]

Accommodation [per night Double €380 – Single €350-]

<FLIGHT INFORMATION: AIRPORTS AND TRANSFERS>

​There are two airports in Tokyo serving international flights.

  • ​HANEDA  AIRPORT

★ 40minites by Limousine bus

     (https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/ja/timetable/)

     Please see for Rinkai (Odaiba): 30minites by Taxi (about €35～€45)

  • NARITA AIRPORT     

★ 105minites by Limousine bus

    (https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/ja/timetable/)

     Please see for Shiba, Takeshiba, Ariake, Daiba)

  • 65minites by Taxi (about €120～€150)

●JR Narita Express (From Narita Airport St. to Tokyo St.)

●Taxi (From Tokyo St. to Hotel) (about €18～€24)

Private transfers between the airports and the hotel can be arranged upon specific and separate request. The transfer fee will be determined based on the selected service.

To request this service, please complete the Transfer Request Form, where you will also be asked to provide details such as flight arrival and departure information.

For any inquiries or special arrangements, please feel free to contact:  JAPAN PRIVATE TOUR CO. LTD [+81(3)-6822-8779]

If you require a transfer service please fill out the dedicated Transfer Request Form. Thank you.

<HOTEL ACCOMMODATION AND MEETING VENUE>

GRAND NIKKO TOKYO  DAIBA  (https://www.tokyo.grandnikko.com/eng/), 2-6-1 Daiba Minato-ku Tokyo, 135-8701, Japan. Tel +81(3)5500-6711 (Map: https://www.tokyo.grandnikko.com/access/)

We are pleased to announce that our meeting will take place at GRAND NIKKO TOKYO DAIBA, Daiba, a five-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Tokyo, offering stunning panoramic views of the bay.

Area Map of Tokyo

https://www.tokyopocketguide.com/tokyo/thingstodotokyo.html

Delegates DO NOT need to book their accommodations directly:

★ JAFSA will book on your behalf if you submit your details via the ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM below.

JAFSA has made already placed a block booking for 100 rooms. So, all delegates and partners, should include in the form, all info regarding their accommodation, if required.

<VISA REQUIREMENTS>

International attendees traveling to Japan for the congress may be required to obtain a visa depending on their nationality. To ensure a smooth entry process, we strongly recommend that you review the visa requirements and begin the application process well in advance of your travel dates.

Do You Need a Visa?

Visa requirements vary by country. To check whether you need a visa to enter Japan, please visit the official site:

https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

or consult the nearest Japan Embassy or Consulate in your country.

E-Visa Application are available

Many nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa, which allows for a streamlined application process.

The e-Visa can be obtained quickly online through the official website: https://www.evisa.mofa.go.jp/index and is usually processed within minutes.

Invitation Letter for Visa Application
If you require an invitation letter for your visa application, please send the following information to jafsa@wing.ocn.ne.jp:

  • Full name
  • Passport number
  • Nationality
  • Passport expiry date
  • Purpose of participation in the meeting (e.g., “delegate”, “speaker”)
  • Planned travel dates (arrival and departure)

Invitation letters will only be issued to delegates who have completed their registration.
Please note that an invitation letter does not guarantee visa approval.

Additional Information​

  • Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Japan.
  • Some travellers may be required to present proof of travel insurance or financial means for their stay.
    It is advisable to carry a printed copy of your visa or e-Visa when entering Japan.

For the latest updates and detailed visa requirements, please refer to the official website of the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html or contact the nearest Japan diplomatic mission.

We look forward to welcoming you to Japan!

<PRIVATE TOURS>

Attendees looking to arrange additional personal trips or excursions—whether in Istanbul or to iconic destinations such as Kyoto, Osaka etc —before or after the Annual Meeting in Istanbul can do so through our designated and trusted tourism partner, JAPAN PRIVATE TOUR CO.LTD.

For personalized arrangements, please contact directly JAPAN PRIVATE TOUR CO.,LTD. TEL:+81(3)-6822-8779 to discuss your requirements:

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<REGISTRATION ONLINE FORM>

You will be able to register here for the Event, for your Accommodation and for the Optional Excursion.

To Register, Click here.

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FONASBA events and conferences data collection and processing policy

Personal information collected in respect of participation in, or registration for, this event will be limited to that strictly necessary. The data will be held securely by FONASBA and where necessary shared with the host associations. The location of the event may require that personal information be passed outside the European Union. All data held shall be securely destroyed by FONASBA or the host association not more than 12 months after the end of the event when the reconciliation of all accounts have been finalised.

 Photographs or video footage taken during the event may be used for FONASBA’s own publicity purposes only and posted to the website or on social media, including the federation Newsletter. An individual may request the FONASBA Secretariat not to publish, or to remove, photographs or video footage. Action to do so will be taken as soon as practicable after the request is received.