FETEIA-OLTRA joins shippers to boost the efficiency of maritime transport in Spain

Maritime Transport and Logistics

The freight forwarders' federation, FETEIA-OLTRA, has signed the 'Manifesto for Efficient Maritime Transport' promoted by the Spanish Shippers' Association (ACE) and the Spanish Shippers' Council (SSC). The alliance aims to launch a joint work plan to improve the agility, transparency, and resilience of Spanish ports.

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La Spanish Federation of Freight Forwarders (FETEIA-OLTRAhas officially sealed its adherence to Manifesto for an Efficient, Sustainable and Competitive Maritime TransportThis strategic alliance with the Asociación de Cargadores de España (ACE) And the Spanish Shippers’ Council (SSC) marks the start of an immediate action plan to optimize the port logistics chain in España.

A strategic alliance for foreign trade competitiveness

Signing FETEIA-OLTRA It is not a mere formality, but the starting point for active collaboration with the main representatives of the cargo owners. The manifesto, presented during the second shippers' conference, was conceived as a strategic roadmap To strengthen dialogue and cooperation with shipping companies, logistics operators, and port authorities. With the formal incorporation of the freight forwarding sector, the initiative gains a key player in building a more predictable and robust transport model.

The underlying objective is to respond to the challenges of the current geopolitical and economic scenario, where the supply chain resilience It has become a critical factor for the competitiveness of Spanish companies. The union of freight forwarders and shippers represents a common front to address systemic inefficiencies and promote a more stable and transparent operating environment.

The four pillars of work: Agility, Transparency, Resilience and Sustainability

Following this agreement, the joint work will be structured around four fundamental pillars. First, the aim will be to strengthen the port and land transport efficiency, in order to optimize operations in port facilities, eliminate bottlenecks and substantially improve the flow of goods from the ship to the final destination.

The second axis focuses on the operational transparencyBoth parties will advocate for the establishment of clearer frameworks for relations and trade conditions, providing certainty and stability to all links in the logistics chain. This point is key to avoiding unforeseen additional costs and improving the planning of import and export operations.

Third, the alliance will prioritize the resilience and digitizationThe goal is to develop supply chains with greater adaptability to the volatility of the "new normal," promoting the adoption of technological tools that improve the visibility and management of transport flows. Finally, the commitment to the sustainability It will be a cross-cutting pillar, directing efforts towards decarbonization and the promotion of clean energy in the maritime-port sector, in line with ESG directives.

Key Objectives of the Freight Forwarders-Shippers Collaboration

Priority Axis	Specific goal
Port and Land Agility	Optimize port operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and improve the flow of goods.
Operational Transparency	Establish clear relationship frameworks and commercial conditions to provide certainty and stability.
Resilience and Digitalization	Develop supply chains adaptable to volatility and encourage the adoption of technology.
Sustainability	Supporting decarbonization and the use of clean energy in the maritime-port sector.

Key points and frequently asked questions about the freight forwarders and shippers alliance

How does this alliance affect my exporting/importing company?

For a Spanish company, this alliance aims to create a more predictable and efficient logistics environment. In the medium term, the expected results are reduced port delays, greater clarity in service rates and terms, and more robust supply chains to withstand potential disruptions, resulting in greater security and competitiveness for its international operations.

What specific problems of Spanish ports does this manifesto seek to solve?

The manifesto addresses recurring problems such as the lack of efficiency in land-based operations within ports, the lack of transparency in certain surcharges applied by some actors in the supply chain, and the need for greater digitalization to improve merchandise traceability. It seeks to shift from a reactive to a proactive model in logistics management.

Why is the union of freight forwarders and shippers key at this time?

The alliance is strategic because it aligns the interests of those who manage transport logistics (freight forwarders) with those of the cargo owners (shippers). In the current context of geopolitical uncertainty and inflationary pressures, presenting a united front is essential for negotiating with shipping companies and port authorities, ensuring that Spanish foreign trade remains competitive.