OCEAN, the European sub-committee of ISSA, celebrated half a century of service to Europe’s ship supply sector with a landmark anniversary conference and reception in Brussels on Thursday, 17 September 2026.

The event, held at The Merode in the heart of the Belgian capital, brought together senior figures from ship supply, customs, logistics, ports and the wider maritime community to reflect on OCEAN’s first 50 years and examine the issues shaping its future.

Since its formation, OCEAN, the European Ship Suppliers Organisation, has provided a collective voice for an industry that plays an essential, if sometimes overlooked, role in keeping international shipping moving.

Its anniversary is both a celebration of past achievements and an opportunity to consider how European cooperation can support maritime trade through a period of regulatory and geopolitical change.

OCEAN Chairman Costantino Zavoianni opened the plenary session, followed by welcome addresses from George Saris, Executive Vice President and Treasurer of the International Shipsuppliers & Services Association, and Niels Wammen-Jensen, Executive Vice President, International Regions, at Cruise Lines International Association.

The keynote address, “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.

That theme continued in an expert panel asking whether EU businesses can expect ‘smooth sailing’ through forthcoming reforms. Representatives from CLECAT, FEPORT, OCEAN and ECASBA discussed the practical implications for companies operating across Europe’s maritime and logistics supply chains. Moderated by OCEAN Secretary General Arne Mielken, the session gave delegates an active role through live audience polling and debate.

The afternoon session included two important commemorative moments. Renowned artist Selina Javaid’s OCEAN 50th anniversary painting was formally unveiled, while former OCEAN Chair Alfredo Tosato introduced the organisation’s anniversary book, charting five decades of cooperation, representation and progress.

Ricardo Treviño Chapa, Deputy Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, concluded the discussions with reflections on the role of customs in protecting society through vigilance and commitment.

The anniversary gathering gave members, partners and guests a welcome opportunity to celebrate OCEAN’s remarkable milestone together in an appropriately convivial setting.

Fifty years after its creation, OCEAN’s central purpose remains highly relevant: ensuring that Europe’s ship suppliers are heard, understood and equipped to serve global shipping. The anniversary gathering honours that legacy while setting a course for OCEAN, its members and Europe’s maritime community in years ahead.

Rafael Fernandez, President of ISSA, George Saris, EVP and Treasurer of ISSA, Aduo Luc Kouame, EVP of ISSA, as well as Sean Moloney ISSA Secretary and Yvonne Paul, ISSA Head of Administration, were subsequently invited, with the OCEAN Board, to attend the annual Gala Dinner of the Nederlandse Vereniging Van Scheepsleveranciers (NVVS) in The Netherlands.