The Secretary General is pleased to inform you that with the support of the Greek Ministry of Development and Investment along with the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs, there will be a formal Inauguration of the Africa-Hellenic Chamber of Shipping.
The African Shipowners Association was birthed 12 years ago after a meeting of some Shipowners who operate African flagged vessels and some African Maritime Administrations in Ghana. The resolution at that meeting was to establish an association of Africans who own and operate vessels to participate in Continental and International trade.
The Association has signed an MOU of the African Union Commission, and is a member of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA). The association also has signed partnership agreements with the Port Management Association of Eastern & Southern Africa and the Women in Maritime in Africa Association.
The African Shipowners Association is the recognized voice of African Shipowners.
Its objectives are:
- Support and encourage the implementation of the African Blue Economy Strategy
- Development of an African fleet of vessels
The African Blue Economy Strategy presents many great opportunities for the Continent. The African Blue Economy Strategy, also has an Implementation Strategy for it. Thematic Area 2 of the Blue Economy Strategy is Shipping/transportation, trade, ports, maritime security, and safety.
The continent has signed the African Free Trade Area Agreement. Today the Association believes that African Vessels must carry African Cargo generated by AfCFTA, guided by the ABES and driven by ASA.
The Association’s approach to achieving these objectives is forming dynamic partnership both a regional level in close collaboration with AU member States and at international level.
H. E. Dr. Jean Ping Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Friday, 15 June 2012 received the credentials of the First Permanent Observer of Greece to the African Union, H.E Ambassador Nicolas Protonotarios. His Excellency stated that although Greece is going through one of the biggest economic crisis in modern history, its relations with Africa are and will remain a priority.
The Association based on this clear statement of support for the Continent and based on the recognition of Greece as strong maritime Nation initiated discussions to establish an African Hellenic Chamber of Shipping.
The Charter for the establishment of the African Hellenic Chamber of Shipping will be available for download shortly.
