On June 3, the Association of Maritime Agents and Consignees of Ships held its general meeting. On the menu this year, an update on the situation and a change in governance.
The Maritime Agents and Consignees of Ships (AMCF) held their general meeting in Rouen on June 3. The opportunity for professionals to take stock of the situation and « the subjects that animate our profession, » said Jean-Pascal Bidoire, general delegate.
The consequences of the Middle East conflict on the maritime
At the beginning of June, shipping agents returned to the conflict raging in the Middle East. A war that « totally destabilizes the cost of energy, the global economy and international trade. « On the date of the meeting, it was difficult to predict the outcome of this conflict. Moreover, the outcome leaves little hope for the consequences for international trade and maritime transport.
Unpredictable freight rates
The French organization of maritime agents and consignees of ships returned to the year 2025. It recalls that global shipping volumes have increased by 0.5%. However, in 2024, the sector recorded an increase of 2.2%. In addition to this gloomy situation, last year was marked by geopolitical tensions, especially in the Bab el Mandeb Strait. So, the lengthening of the roads led to an increase in freight rates to cover the operating cost. At the same time, the implementation of new tariffs by the United States, announced in April and effective in October, disrupted activity. Finally, the recomposition of the maritime alliances has also changed the landscape.
Reviewed strategic priorities
These different elements sometimes weigh heavily on armaments. As a result, maritime agents are suffering the effects of this new situation. On the shipowners’ side, notes Jean-Pascal Bidoire, « the strategic priorities were aimed at adapting to decarbonization, digitization, and investments. For Europe, the impact of the implementation of the ETS is also an important issue. It requires extreme vigilance about its consequences in terms of port competitiveness.
Making the impossible possible regardless of the local context
Ongoing wars and conflicts confirm the need and importance of both a commercial and military maritime power. « In this context, we would like to recall the crucial role of our professions in the international logistics chain. The shipping agent and the consignee are the link between land and sea. They coordinate and connect authorities, ship service providers, supply chain actors and all port intermediaries. « Agents must make the impossible possible regardless of the local or international context.
A new governance
The June 3 meeting also changed the governance of the organization. The board of directors of AMCF has renewed the governance. Thus, Johann Feltgen, director of Procéan Saint Nazaire leaves his seat. He is replaced by Olivier Cebe, CEO of MCM Marseille. Johan Feltgen takes the vice-president for the activity of the liner agents. The vice-chair for agents operating in the tramp is provided by Antoine Poulain, director of the Associated Shipping Agencies agency in Calais. Treasurer: Henri Chotard, director of the Thomas Maritime Agency in La Rochelle, retains his position as treasurer. The general secretariat is provided by Jérôme Christiaen, CEO of Lemaire V Shipping.
source : ports et corridors
