FONASBA calls for clarity

The Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA) has called for more clarity in ship agents' rate structures. Speaking at the federation's recent annual meeting in Portugal, FONASBA president Edouard de Clebsattel said, "The relationship between the principal and the ship agent is one built on trust. It is important for that trust that principals understand clearly how they are being charged and what the fees cover. It will benefit both sides if it is transparent what the true costs of the service are." FONASBA member associations have agreed to produce overviews of cost structures in their respective countries to kick-start this initiative. De Clebsattel also emphasized the need for increased education and training if members are to meet principals' future requirements. At the meeting, member associations also debated Standard Port Agency Conditions that FONASBA is drawing up in conjunction with the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO). Both organizations previously co-operated on FONASBA's General Agency Agreement and Standard Liner Agency Agreement, now used internationally to control owner-agent arrangements. Members also reached agreement on a time charter interpretation code. Representative organizations from St Petersburg, Greece, Israel, Angola, Ukraine, Georgia, and Poland were voted into the federation during the gathering in Portugal. FONASBA is an international federation of 50 national associations of shipbrokers and agents, and aims to represent the interests of its members on the international stage. It monitors developments in Europe through the European Community Association of Ship Brokers and Agents (ECASBA), and has two standing committees to oversee business areas central to its aims - the Liner and Tramp Agency Committee and the Chartering and Documentary Committee.