Charting the Future of Ship Supplying

Axel Barat explores how OCEAN and SNAN must evolve to attract the next generation to the world’s second-largest maritime domain in 2026

With France representing the world’s second marine space and over 525,000 jobs, ship supply remains a hidden titan. As OCEAN celebrates 50 years in 2026, we must bridge the visibility gap to ensure this vital industry remains a first-choice career, argues Axel Barat, Chair of SNAN, the French Ship Suppliers Organisation.

As Chairman of the Syndicat National des Approvisionneurs Navals (SNAN), I represent an industry that has been the silent engine of French maritime commerce since its founding. Our mission is both precise and vital: we buy, store in specialized customs-controlled warehouses, and deliver everything from high-quality foodstuffs to complex technical machinery to international crews.

The scale of our contribution is often underestimated. France possesses the second-largest marine space in the world, a vast maritime domain that is a pillar of our national sovereignty. Our maritime economy supports over 525,000 jobs and contributes €43.3 billion in added value—roughly 1.5% of France’s GDP. Despite managing 350 million tons of goods traffic annually through our ports, the profession of "Ship Supplier" remains a hidden gem.

To attract the talent of tomorrow, we must bridge this visibility gap. We cannot expect young professionals to join an industry they do not see. We are the "last mile" of the sea, and it is our responsibility to transform this métier from a technical necessity into a prestigious career choice.

2026: A Landmark Year for the European Maritime Family

This year, 2026, marks a momentous milestone for our industry: the 50th Anniversary of OCEAN. For half a century, the European Ship Suppliers Organization has been the lighthouse guiding our profession through the complexities of EU legislation and global trade shifts.

For me, as Chairman of SNAN, this jubilee is more than a celebration of the past; it is a signal for the future. It represents fifty years of defending the interests of ship suppliers from the North Sea to the Mediterranean. It proves that our industry is not a fleeting trend but a fundamental pillar of European trade. As we celebrate OCEAN’s 50th, we are also looking ahead to our own milestone: SNAN will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2028. These twin anniversaries offer a unique "window of prestige." They provide us with the perfect platform to show the next generation that they are not just joining a company—they are joining a storied, stable, and essential European institution.

The Challenge of Modernity: Digitalization and Diversity

In France, and specifically within our establishments in the DROM-COM (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyane, La Réunion, Mayotte), we operate in a high-stakes, "just-in-time" environment. Attracting "Generation Z" and Millennials requires a fundamental shift in how we project our identity:

1. The Digital Frontier: Young talent is drawn to innovation. We must showcase that modern ship supply involves AI-driven inventory management, blockchain for customs transparency, and green logistics. We are no longer just "suppliers"; we are data-driven logistics architects.

2. A Global Narrative: Platforms like LinkedIn are the new harbors where career paths are discovered. I encourage our members to be visible and vocal. We must highlight the adrenaline of international trade—where a supplier in Rouen or Marseille coordinates with a vessel from Singapore or Panama.

3. Structured Excellence: Through SNAN, we advocate for structured learning and clear parcours (career paths). By professionalizing the "onboarding" of young talent, we provide the credibility and long-term perspective that the modern workforce demands.

OCEAN: Strengthening the European Maritime Fabric

OCEAN is our most powerful strategic lever in Brussels. Its strength lies in its ability to defend the interests of ship suppliers across all member states, ensuring that "ship supply" is recognized as a matter of European Strategic Autonomy.

To remain relevant for the next fifty years, OCEAN must lead on:

• Regulatory Modernization: Simplifying European customs and administrative hurdles to make the industry more agile and tech-friendly for young entrepreneurs.

• Fostering a European Community: We need a vibrant, pan-European network where a young supplier in Brest can share best practices with one in Rotterdam or Piraeus. OCEAN can be the digital hub that fosters this sense of belonging to a "Grand European Maritime Family."

Conclusion: Steering Toward 2030 and Beyond

The SNAN has been the heartbeat of French ship supply since 1978. We provide the specialized equipment, the staff, and the expertise to ensure that ships of all nationalities can navigate safely and efficiently.

As we celebrate OCEAN at 50 this year and prepare for SNAN at 50 in 2028, we are moving the ship supply sector from the "shadows of the docks" to the center of the European stage. We are inviting the next generation to take the helm of an industry that is essential, international, and undeniably future-proof. We aren't just delivering goods; we are fueling the global economy.

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