06_giugno - Porto & diporto

English summaryOPPORTUNITIESAND CHALLENGESFOR LOGISTICSThe Italian Federation ofForwarders (Fedespedi) with its2,200 members held its AGM onJune 22 and discussed the issuesof a single customs office, new EUregulations from 2015, the reform ofmotor transport, rail transport andExpo 2015. Fedespedi membersoperate with rail, road, air andcombined transport.THE IMPORTANCE OF ITALY’S MARITIME FORWARDERSThe Italian Federation of Forewarders(Fedespedi) with 2,200 members play animportant role in the Italian economy.Luca Ricolfi president of the MaritimeSection in an interview with Porto&diportosaid:1 - We have moved on from our traditionalrole to include IT systems, security andmuch else.2 - We have concentrated on 3 objectives.Firstly defending ourselves againstunjustifiable competition from shippingcompanies. Secondly helping our members in understanding and applying new laws and regulations. Thirdly toensure that the use of new technologies is applied across the country.3 - We as part of Fedespedi participate in the discussions on a voluntary agreement for the industry and fordisciplining waiting time for freight in port.4 - As part of European organisations we participate in research into operating and commercial conditions suchas agency costs and IT in ports.5 - We work to increase collaboration between Fedespedi and our local organizations and we intend to show thevalue we bring to logistics. Contacts are maintained with other institutions such as Port Authorities.SAFEGUARDINGSARDINIA’S MARITIMETRANSPORTAt the AGM of the National Federationof Shipping Agents Giancarlo Acciaropresident of the Sicily branch statedhis satisfaction with the setting up of aSardinian passenger fleet but expressedthe need for similar action for freight.Giancarlo Acciaro president ofSardinia’s shipping agents stated that“fare increases have brought shippingback to the limelight in Sardinia and a Sardinian fleet is an efficient method of controlling costs. Hopefully thissolution can be applied to freight and a solution could be found by bringing together private and public interests.He also hoped that the ban on Italian and French petrol tankers and dangerous cargos in the Bocche di Bonifaciowould be extended to shipping of all nationalities carrying those cargoes.