VLOG: 50 Years of OCEAN: Why It Still Matters – and What Comes Next

A conversation with Nick Mavrikos, Chair of the Greek Ship Suppliers & Exporters Association

What does a half-century of representing ship suppliers across Europe look like? And why is it more relevant than ever in today’s changing trade and customs landscape? Nick Mavrikos, Chair of the Greek Ship Suppliers & Exporters Association, sat down with Executive Director Arne Mielken to reflect on the past, the present, and the future of OCEAN as the organisation approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026.

OCEAN – the European Ship Suppliers Organization – has stood as the united voice of ship supply for decades. But what really lies behind this institution? What values drive it? Why should it matter today – and tomorrow?

To answer these questions, Executive Director Arne Mielken sat down with Nick Mavrikos, Chair of the Greek Ship Suppliers & Exporters Association and long-time OCEAN advocate, for a compelling conversation on the organisation’s legacy, impact, and future direction.

Nick opened the conversation with vivid reflections on OCEAN’s founding days and its evolution over the decades. With passion and pride, he recounted moments where OCEAN stood firm for the rights of ship suppliers in Brussels and beyond.

“OCEAN is not just an association – it’s a community. It has defended the interest of ship suppliers during regulatory storms, adapted to new customs frameworks, and built long-standing trust across Europe.”

From the rise of EU customs legislation to crises like COVID-19, OCEAN has been in the room, advocating, advising, and adapting.

Nick stressed that OCEAN’s voice is more vital than ever – especially in today’s climate of geopolitical shifts, customs modernisation, and sustainability transitions.

“The maritime supply chain is changing fast. OCEAN gives us a common platform to shape the rules – not just follow them. That’s powerful.”

He highlighted how OCEAN is:

• Engaging with the European Commission on customs reform

• Ensuring ship supply remains a distinct and protected category in customs law

• Helping members navigate today’s complex sanctions, export control, and CBAM challenges

With the 50th anniversary on the horizon in 2026, Nick shared his vision for the future of OCEAN:

• Modernisation: Making OCEAN more digital, more data-driven

• Visibility: Raising the profile of ship supply in political and trade debates

• Collaboration: Building stronger bridges with customs authorities, ports, and trade organisations

“We must not only honour our history – we must shape what comes next. OCEAN must be the compass for ship supply in Europe.”

Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch, A Must-Join

This was more than just an interview. It was a call to action – for current and future members, policymakers, and partners.

If you’re part of the maritime or customs world, this conversation is essential viewing. It’s a reminder that behind every regulation and every port, there are people – like Nick – fighting for fair, future-proof trade.

Watch the Full Interview