In his short speech, the president of Clecat spoke of an ongoing “war” between shippers and shipping companies
Venice – The National Federation of Shipping Companies (Fedespedi) in Italy celebrated, one year late due to Covid, its 75th anniversary since its foundation on 11 June 1946. At least 150 guests took part in the dinner. gala organized in Venice at the Molino Stucky hotel with various guests of honor including the presidents of the world association of forwarding agents Fiata and the European counterpart Clecat.
“The pandemic has given us the opportunity to let the general public know who we are and what we do,” said the outgoing president Silvia Moretto, according to whom these 75 years are “a new starting point” and added as “every year the ‘bar is raised more and more ”for the category.
The CEO of the forwarding company D.B. Group has reached the end of a particularly demanding mandate and does not hide it by speaking of “one of the most difficult three-year periods in the history of Fedespedi”.
The reasons are known and many but two stand out above all: the logistical criticalities of the last two years following the outbreak of the pandemic and the growing dualism with carriers, especially maritime ones active in the transport of containerized cargo, for expensive freight.
It is no coincidence that the president of Clecat, Willem van der Schalk, spoke of “an ongoing war between forwarders and shipping lines”, underlining the fact that “inexplicably” the politicians in Brussels “seem interested in supporting assets more” (the ships) and other companies active on the market, including shippers and shippers in general.
During the assembly entitled “Inspired by a changing world”, in addition to the president Silvia Moretto, the minister Enrico Giovannini (Mims), Fulvio Lino di Blasio (Adsp Northern Adriatic Sea), Guido Nicolini (Confetra), will speak among others, Olaf Merk (Oecd), Alessandro Panaro (Srm), Marco Campomenosi (European Parliament) and Zeno D’Agostino (Espo).
The Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers & Agents (FONASBA) provides a united voice for the world’s shipbrokers and agents. Founded in 1969, the organization promotes fair and equitable practices and ensures that the needs of our members are understood at the international, regional, and individual national levels across the maritime industry.
FONASBA maintains a close watch on all developments of interest and concern to the shipbroking and ship agency professions and takes appropriate action to ensure that those interests are protected.
FONASBA’s relationship with the European Commission is effected through one of its Standing Committees, the European Community Association of Ship Brokers & Agents (ECASBA).
ECASBA provides input into European seaport, port services, short sea shipping, shipping safety, and EDI policies as well as customs and administrative procedures. ECASBA is a member of the European Commission’s Trade Contact Group on customs matters and the Digital Transport and Logistics Forum.
Source: Shipping Italy
