10 year on: BREXIT and consequences for European ship supply

An interview with the former OCEAN Chair Cupido

 On 23rd June 2016, the British public voted in favor of Brexit, or exit, from the European Union (EU). Of the British electorate, 17.4 million (51.9%) voted for Brexit, compared to 16.1 million (48.1%) for continued membership, with an overall turnout of 72.2%, higher than most expected. Ten years after the referendum, we meet with Mr. Cupido again and ask him about his opinion on Brexit - 10 years on.

A Decade of Reflection: Arne Mielken Interviews Former OCEAN Chairman Dirk Cupido

Arne Mielken: Mr. Cupido, it is a pleasure to sit down with you. We are marking the tenth anniversary of the 2016 UK Brexit referendum, a watershed moment for our sector. You were at the helm of OCEAN when those results came in. Looking back across the last decade, how do you reflect on that transition?

Dirk Cupido: Thank you, Arne. Looking back, it was a defining period that tested the resilience of our industry. At the time, the immediate priority for OCEAN was to provide stability. The ship supply sector is defined by its 24/7 commitment to global maritime trade; we understood early on that regardless of political shifts, our core mission, ensuring that ships are provisioned and operations remain seamless, had to continue.

I must take this moment to pay tribute to the significant contributions of the British Association of Ship Suppliers (BASS). They were a vital pillar of our organization for many years, bringing expertise that helped shape our approach to European standards. I want to specifically honor the leadership of John Davey, who served as OCEAN Vice-Chairman during my tenure. His dedication, insight, and steady hand were fundamental to navigating that period of uncertainty. His work helped ensure that the voice of the UK ship supply industry remained clear and impactful at the highest levels in Brussels, and we are grateful for the legacy he and BASS helped build within our network.

Arne Mielken: During that time, there was immense speculation about the immediate impact. How did OCEAN manage that period of uncertainty?

Dirk Cupido: We focused on the operational essentials. Our primary goal was to provide clarity to our members regarding trade, customs, and regulatory requirements. We leveraged the expertise of our specialists in Brussels, alongside the invaluable input from BASS representatives, to monitor the evolving legislative framework as it unfolded. The strategy was never about the politics; it was about the continuity of supply. We knew that ships would continue to call at ports on both sides of the Channel, and we were committed to ensuring our members were equipped to adapt to the new reality without disrupting the global maritime supply chain.

Arne Mielken: Looking at the landscape today, how has OCEAN’s role evolved in managing these international relationships?

Dirk Cupido: OCEAN has always thrived on a diversity of perspectives. While our core mandate is centered on working with EU institutions in Brussels, we have always proudly represented a broader maritime community. Our long-standing collaboration with national associations, such as those in Turkey and Norway, has provided a blueprint for how we maintain strong, functional relationships with partners outside the EU framework. Over the last ten years, we have proven that we can maintain a cohesive, high-standard industry network that transcends formal political boundaries.

Arne Mielken: What is your primary takeaway regarding the industry’s ability to adapt to such profound structural changes?

Dirk Cupido: My takeaway is one of immense professional pride. The industry on both sides of the English Channel demonstrated remarkable agility. We proved that the ship supply sector is not defined by borders, but by the strength of its professional standards and the reliability of its service. We have managed to maintain close, functional relations despite the structural shifts, and I am confident that the industry remains well-positioned to meet whatever future requirements the maritime sector may demand.