General

The Antwerp ship agencies and shipping companies are crucial parties in maritime and port activities.  They are responsible for the operational and administrative aspects of a ships call.  Over 14,000 vessels a year, with an aggregate gross tonnage of more than 415 million tons, load and unload 240 million tons of goods in the port of Antwerp.

Since 1901 the Antwerp ship agents are organised in the Antwerp Shipping Federation, in short ASF.  Next to defending the professional interests of all members and those of their principals-owners, the Association pursues the defense of shipping interests in general and those of the port of Antwerp in particular.

The Association counts more than 70 members and is governed by a Board of Directors.

ASF has a permanent secretariat at its disposal that deals with professional, inter-professional and general port and maritime economic problems.  Solutions are proposed in close consultation with the President and the Board of Directors.

ASF also organises the secretariat for NAVES (National Federation of Associations of Ship agents and brokers).

The Antwerp Shipping Federation is one of the founding members of Alfaport VOKA.

Along with the Royal Belgian Shipowners Association, ASF also manages SOPF, the Shipowners Protection Fund.