Marygrace Collins
FONASBA’s Quality Standard for Ship Brokers and Ship Agents reached a significant milestone last week when APRAM, the Federation’s Moroccan member association, became the twentieth to be accredited to the programme.
Welcoming APRAM to the Quality Standard, FONASBA President Marygrace Collins said:
“The increased adoption of this programme has facilitated the appointment of quality ship agents and brokers worldwide. The Fonasba Quality Standard recognizes those companies that have demonstrated a firm commitment to provide quality service to their principals”.
Established in October 2007, the Standard demonstrates the professionalism of the international ship broking and ship agency communities as well as their commitment to the highest possible standards of service.
Recognised by BIMCO, Intercargo and INTERTANKO, the Standard is now accredited to FONASBA’s member associations in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Great Britain, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malta, Morocco, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden, Spain and the USA. Nearly 300 companies in those associations have now been approved under the programme The FONASBA Quality Standard has been awarded to independent agents operating in only one or two ports as well as those with country-wide networks.
Acknowledging receipt of their accreditation, APRAM President and FONASBA Regional Vice President for Africa Aziz Mantrach thanked the Federation for its support and pledged to encourage all members of the association to secure the Standard. He also called upon other FONASBA associations that were not covered by the Standard to start the application process without further delay.
Mr Mantrach noted: “We believe that it is quality which is likely to enhance the brand image of our profession.”
Details of the FONASBA Quality Standard accredited associations and their approved companies are available from the Federation’s website at: www.fonasba.com
FONASBA is the only organisation representing the global ship agency and ship broking professions. Established in 1969 it now has members in 45 countries, including all major maritime and trading nations. Its remit is to “promote and protect the professions of ship agency and ship broking worldwide”, a task which it undertakes through dialogue with its member associations and its consultative status with IMO, UNCTAD, UNCITRAL and the World Customs Organisation, as well as through close and regular dialogue with the European Commission and other regional bodies. FONASBA also enjoys reciprocal memberships with the Baltic Exchange, BIMCO, INTERTANKO, indemnity insurer ITIC and the Shipbrokers’ Register and works closely with other bodies, both internationally and in Europe.
