The German Shipbrokers´ Association (ZVDS) is the national umbrella organization for all local shipbrokers’ associations based in the German ports. A total of around 230 shipbroking companies are organized within the ZVDS. Its members include chartering brokers, sales & purchase brokers, port agents and liner agencies. Almost all major foreign shipping companies, which are also the main customers of German ports, are organized within our association, particularly through the shipping agencies. The main purpose of the ZVDS is to promote the joint professional interests of German ship brokers and agents, without imposing any restrictions or supervision on the economic freedom of the individual companies. The ZVDS handles all concerns of shipbrokers and ship agents that are of a general nature. This work includes relations with the authorities, and with other national associations and institutions.