FONASBA Initiatives/Events

ECASBA SEMINAR 2026 GOTHENBURG

A record number of European ship agents and shipbrokers convened in Gothenburg on 10–11 June for the ECASBA Midsummer Seminar, highlighting the growing importance of collaboration as the maritime sector navigates an increasingly complex global landscape.

Hosted by Sveriges Skeppsmäklare and organised by Secretary General Berit Blomqvist, with strong support from the Danish Shipbrokers and Port Operators, Shipbrokers Finland, and the Norwegian Shipbrokers Association, the seminar focused on some of the most pressing issues facing maritime trade today. Port security emerged as a major theme, with delegates examining the growing threat of organised crime in European ports. Belgium’s experience with mandatory background checks for port workers provided a practical case study for strengthening security frameworks across the region.

The seminar also offered a sobering perspective on operational resilience, as participants heard about the realities facing maritime professionals in Ukraine, where shipping activities continue despite the challenges of ongoing conflict. These discussions reinforced the industry’s recognition that resilience has become a critical component of modern maritime operations. Delegates also explored the progress of the energy transition, the continuing strategic role of oil in global shipping, and the potential consequences of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz for international trade flows and energy markets.

Alongside these broader strategic discussions, attendees received updates on key European regulatory initiatives, including the Entry/Exit System (EES), ETIAS, the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), and the European Maritime Single Window environment. A dedicated panel session also examined how the shipbroking profession is evolving in response to digitalisation, regulatory change, and shifting customer expectations.

The event concluded with a celebration of traditional Swedish Midsummer festivities and a special tribute to Berit Blomqvist, whose remarkable 50-year career has left a lasting impact on the maritime community.

To access presentation material, Click here

2025

FONASBA Annual General Meeting 2025

Annual Meeting 2025

A selection of pictures from the 2025 Annual Meeting can be found here.

0_FONASBA ANNUAL MEETING 2025 – AGENDA COUNCIL FOR CIRCULATION

List of Speakers _ Fonasba 2025

2_COUNCIL MINUTES 2024 – DRAFT MINUTES 1

5_FINANCE – AUDITED ACCOUNTS YE 30.06.2025

5_FINANCE – FE007 – Letter of Representation 2025

6_1.FONASBA 2025 – REPORT AFRICA

6_2.FONASBA 2025 – REPORT AMERICAS

6_3.FONASBA 2025 – REPORT ASIA

6_4.FONASBA 2025 – REPORT EUROPE-ECASBA

6_5.FONASBA 2025 – REPORT MIDDLE EAST

6_6.FONASBA 2025 – REPORT AGENTS

6_7.FONASBA 2025 – REPORT SHIPBROKERS

6_8.FONASBA 2025 – REPORT E&Q FOR COUNCIL

2024

FONASBA ANNUAL MEETING 2024

ECASBA Position Papers

ECASBA has issued the following Position Papers to summarise its stated positions on key issues affecting its members. The papers are intended for use as a guide for both external bodies, such as the institutions of the European Union, and ECASBA’s own members, with the objective of ensuring a consistent message is promoted at both EU and national level. ECASBA members are encouraged to refer to the Position Papers in their discussions with their own national authorities on these issues.

The latest version of each paper, issued in May 2024 can be downloaded below.

SCHENGEN AREA TRANSIT VISAS – EES – MAY 2024

RECOGNITION OF AGENTS – MAY 2024

MOVEMENT OF ILLICIT GOODS – MAY 2024

E-MARITIME – MAY 2024

CUSTOMS PROCEDURES – MAY 2024

BORDER CONTROLS GENERAL – MAY 2024

The suite of papers will be kept under regular review and others added as new issues of concern to ship agents and ship brokers arise. Existing papers will also be amended where necessary or appropriate.

ECASBA’s European Seminar 2024

2023

ECASBA European Seminar

Amman Annual Meeting

FONASBA Presentation

A presentation detailing FONASBA’s structure, governance, activities and initiatives is available for download in two versions using the links below:
PowerPoint version (11 mb)
PDF version
Issue date: 02.11.2023

2022

ECASBA European Seminar

Antwerp Annual Meeting

2020

Annual Meeting 2020

“Keeping Agents Safe on Board” FONASBA Infectious Diseases Protocols

Newsletter 49
Circulated in April 2020

ECASBA European Seminar, Brussels, February 2020

2019

Newsletter 48
Circulated in November 2019

Annual Meeting 2019

Newsletter 47
Circulated in June 2019.

ECASBA News Update, March 2019
A report on the recent visit by ECASBA Chair Marco Tak and General Manager Jonathan C. Williams FICS to Brussels and the outcome of their discussions with officials from DG-MOVE (Transport & Mobility), DG-TAXUD (Customs) and DG-SANTE (Animal and Plant Health).

Newsletter 46
The edition of FONASBA’s Newsletter circulated at the end of January 2019.