World Wide Shipagencies Association ( WWSA ) was established in September 2007. Several ship agents took the initiative to create WWSA, a registered Antwerp based non-profit association, being a co-operative of professionals, offering an alternative to similar associations in the maritime sector.

Through the mutual co-operation of its registered members, WWSA is able to create an exclusive, readily accessible and updated global data bank. Connected members can then exchange information about the ports they cover, general information about changing rules and regulations related to shipping, and also changing legislation in the countries that they operate in.

This dialogue enables a member of a particular country, to access and profitably use insights on the shipping industry of a co-member belonging to another country. Any information needed in connection with the relationship with principals or otherwise, becomes available with just a phone call to a fellow member.

WWSA also encourages members to exchange information and/or leads with fellow members about new initiatives of known ship owners, like a new service or changes in existing agencies in any one of their ports of operation, in order to assist the other members in obtaining the relevant business.

A fair and realistic remuneration scheme is in place within the Association, to reward such actions, therewith creating commercial incentives to make such efforts. This serves as great driver to mutual business growth and opens up opportunities on a global scale for principals and customers alike.

The fast evolving WWSA roster is today composed of select members from diverse geographies. This makes it a rich source of real time shipping information from across the globe, lending its voice credibility, exclusivity and virtually guaranteeing performance.

To date the organization counts 37 members, representing 37 countries on its member’s roster.

To sum up WWSA has 3 clear objectives :

• Creating an enormous think tank of independent agency companies that are   not affiliated to major carriers
• Creating a channel open to communication on a 24X7 basis
• Forming an international nucleus for developments