Commemorative Book Launch: 50 Years of European Ship Supply Excellence

An Interview with former OCEAN Chair Alfredo Tosato, celebrating half a century of maritime trade, key industry victories, and the launching of OCEAN's definitive history book.

For 50 years, OCEAN has kept Europe’s maritime supply chains moving. To mark this milestone, former Chair Alfredo Tosato presented the official history book to delegates on 17.09.2026—with signed copies for guests and a web version available to download. Read the full story inside!

The heart of global trade doesn't just beat in high-tech boardrooms—it pulses on maritime quays, amidst 24/7 port operations. For half a century, the European Ship Suppliers Organization (OCEAN) has served as the backbone keeping vessels fueled, provisioned, and ready to sail.

To mark this milestone, former OCEAN Chair Alfredo Tosato presented The History of OCEAN – 50 Years of European Ship Supply Excellence at a celebratory ceremony on 17.09.2026, handing every participant a personalized, signed copy. We sat down with Mr. Tosato to discuss the book, the industry’s legacy, and what lies ahead.

Q: Mr. Tosato, presenting this book on 17.09.2026 was a major moment. What makes this 50-year journey so significant for European ship suppliers?

Alfredo Tosato: It is a celebration of our quiet resilience. People see ships sailing, but they rarely see the high-speed "just-in-time" operations happening on the docks. As Michel Van Hulle details in Chapter 1, our industry evolved from traditional "ship chandlers" into modern B2B "ship suppliers," all while fiercely protecting our duty-free mare liberum status. This book captures how we built the foundation of modern maritime trade.

Q: Looking back at the early decades, what were the key turning points for OCEAN?

Alfredo Tosato: Chapter 2 by Jens Olsen covers our formal launch on 18 October 1976 under our founding Chair, Olaf Boldreel. We immediately had to fight—and win—key legislative battles, like protecting EC-flagged vessels from unfair draft laws and separating professional ship provisioning from retail "butter cruise" restrictions. Then, in the 1980s, as Bob Blake notes in Chapter 3, we professionalized. We helped standardize customs with the Single Administrative Document (SAD) and defended our critical export refund status.

Q: How did OCEAN navigate the dramatic shifts of the 1990s and 2000s?

Alfredo Tosato: The 1990s brought the EU Single Market. As Stefan Ericson highlights in Chapter 4, under Chair Georges Garguilo, OCEAN defeated a dangerous proposal to impose VAT on ship stores, preserving our sector's export-equivalent standing.

In Chapter 5, which I had the privilege of writing, I look at the post-9/11 era. We had to adapt overnight to security overhauls, e-customs, and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) rules. One of my proudest moments was the "Genoa Triumph," where we brought EU officials right onto the quayside so they could experience operational realities firsthand before writing policy.

Q: How can readers access the book?

Alfredo Tosato: A printed rare edition was presented exclusively to delegates at the event on 17 September 2026, but you can download a web version right here. Download Now

Q: What is your final message to delegates and the broader maritime community?

Alfredo Tosato: OCEAN’s 50-year journey is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and unity. From keeping global supply chains moving to defending vital trade exemptions, we have proven that ship suppliers are indispensable. Here’s to the next 50 years of excellence on the high seas!

I wish you an exciting read.