OCEAN at 50: Celebrating a Proud Past and Maritime Future

OCEAN, the European Ship Suppliers Organisation, marked its 50th anniversary on Thursday, 17 September 2026 with a significant conference and reception in Brussels. The event convened senior members from various sectors of Europe's maritime industry, including ship supply, customs, logistics, ports, and beyond, to reflect on OCEAN's past 50 years and discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Established to provide a unified voice for a sector that plays a crucial yet sometimes underappreciated role in maintaining global shipping, OCEAN's half-century of service has been instrumental in shaping the industry's landscape. The anniversary conference served as both a tribute to OCEAN's achievements and a platform to explore how European collaboration can support maritime trade amidst ongoing regulatory and geopolitical shifts.

OCEAN Chairman Costantino Zavoianni kicked off the plenary session, followed by welcome remarks from George Saris, Executive Vice President and Treasurer of the International Ship Suppliers & Services Association, and Niels Wammen-Jensen, Executive Vice President, International Regions, from Cruise Lines International Association.

The keynote presentation, "Courageous Customs Union Reform in Demanding Times," was delivered by Gerassimos Thomas, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union. This theme was further explored in an expert panel, which debated the feasibility of smooth sailing through upcoming reforms for EU businesses.

Participants included representatives from CLECAT, FEPORT, OCEAN, and ECASBA, who shared insights into the operational impacts of these potential changes.

The afternoon segment included two key commemorative highlights. An original painting depicting OCEAN's 50th anniversary by renowned artist Selina Javaid was unveiled, while former OCEAN Chair Alfredo Tosato launched the organization's anniversary book, chronicling five decades of cooperation, representation, and progress in the maritime sector.

Ricardo Treviño Chapa, Deputy Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, concluded the discussions with a forward-looking perspective on the vital role of customs in safeguarding society through vigilance and dedication.

The festivities provided a platform for OCEAN members, partners, and guests to celebrate this significant milestone in a convivial atmosphere. As the organization looks towards the future, its commitment to representing and empowering Europe's ship suppliers remains as vital as ever. The event underscored OCEAN's enduring relevance and its role in setting a forward trajectory for the maritime community, with both current and future attendees invited to the annual Gala Dinner of the Nederlandse Vereniging Van Scheepsleveranciers in the Netherlands.