FIATA
International Federation of
Freight Forwarders Associations
The global voice of freight logistics

In Memoriam, Maritime Safety and Security, Compliance and FIATA World Congress Early Bird

FIATA e-flash
11 May 2026

In Memoriam: Honouring the Memory of Brian Barrow

Brian Barrow dedicated more than 60 years of his life to the passenger and cargo air transport industry, serving the sector with remarkable professionalism, integrity and commitment. During his tenure as Cargo Agency Commissioner*, he was widely respected for his impartiality, sound judgement and deep understanding of the industry, carrying out his responsibilities with fairness and unwavering dedication to all stakeholders. Brian served the industry during a period in which the Cargo Agency Commissioner function operated under a single global structure, reflecting the breadth of his experience and the trust placed in his judgement.
 
Beyond his professional achievements, Brian will be remembered for his warmth, approachable nature and good sense of humour. He always made himself available to support and assist others, invariably with a smile on his face, leaving a lasting impression on all those who had the privilege of working with him. He worked tirelessly in support of the industry and earned the respect and appreciation of colleagues across the global air cargo community.
 
FIATA extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends and all those mourning his loss. His longstanding contribution to the industry will not be forgotten.
 
*The Cargo Agency Commissioner is jointly appointed by IATA and FIATA as an independent arbiter on decisions and/or actions affecting Agents/Intermediaries and applicants under the Cargo Agency Program and Intermediary programmes, including the Cargo Accounts Settlement System (CASS). For further information on this function, please visit: www.cac.aero.

Maritime: FIATA Joins WSC Panel on Cargo Safety at Singapore Maritime Week

From left to right: Mr Claudio Bozzo, Chief Operating Officer at MSC and Chair of the World Shipping Council's Safety and Security Council; Captain Vijayachelvan Silva Raju, Head of Global Operations at X-Press Feeders; Mr Bhaskar Nigam, Head of Loss Prevention at Shipowners' Mutual P&I Club; and Mr Jens Roemer, FIATA Senior Vice-President.

During Singapore Maritime Week, FIATA Senior Vice-President, Mr Jens Roemer, took part in a high-level panel hosted by the World Shipping Council, bringing the voice of the global freight forwarding community to one of the industry's most pressing safety discussions. The panel, titled "Raising the Bar on Cargo Safety: Are Today's Rules and Tools Enough to Reduce Risk?", examined the persistent threat of misdeclared and undeclared dangerous goods in container shipping — a problem that continues to drive preventable incidents at sea.

Mr Roemer was joined by fellow panellists Mr Bhaskar Nigam, Head of Loss Prevention at Shipowners' Mutual P&I Club; Captain Vijayachelvan Silva Raju, Head of Global Operations at X-Press Feeders; and Mr Claudio Bozzo, Chief Operating Officer at the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and Chair of the World Shipping Council's (WSC) Safety and Security Council. The panel was moderated by Mr Richard Meade.

Based on the 2024 World Shipping Council report, 11.39% of inspected cargo shipments were mis-declared, incorrectly documented, improperly packed, included undeclared dangerous goods and additional safety and security hazards.

The panel explored the problem from multiple angles. From the insurer's perspective, Mr Nigam highlighted how often incidents trace back to incorrect or missing information at the very start of the chain — at the point of declaration. Mr Bozzo reflected on how the challenge has evolved over his three decades at MSC, noting both the growing complexity of cargo flows and the industry's increasing investment in technology to address it, including the WSC Cargo Safety Programme, which screens cargo at the booking stage to identify risks before they reach the vessel. Captain Vijay spoke to the operational realities aboard ship, and the limited visibility crews often have over what has actually been loaded. Mr Roemer argued that the system's complexity is no excuse for non-compliance — responsible forwarders and shippers navigate it professionally every day. The real issue, he stressed, is the minority who do not, and the importance of freight forwarders as the industry's closest point of contact with shippers, particularly SMEs, in driving better awareness and accountability at the source.

FIATA bridges the knowledge gap by providing its Members with regular updates on safety and security, issuing best practice guides, and placing awareness and training high on its agenda. FIATA also developed a dedicated Container Packing App, available on Android and Apple devices, providing step-by-step guidance, downloadable checklists, and practical tools to reduce risks and ensure compliance

2026 FIATA World Congress: Early Bird Ends 29 May 2026

Celebrate FIATA's centenary at the 2026 FIATA World Congress, taking place 6 to 9 October 2026 - a landmark moment for the global freight forwarding and logistics community. Hosted by Federazione nazionale delle Imprese di Spedizioni internazionali (FEDESPEDI) at Milan's MiCO Convention Centre, this event will bring together over 750 professionals from across the world.

Discover the tentative programme featuring expert-led panels on the new supply chain landscape, restructuring multimodal corridors, cybersecurity and connected trade, customs reimagined, sustainability in logistics, and risk management, insurance and safety and security in a volatile trade world. Stay tuned for the speaker reveal, coming soon!

Hotel rooms at preferential rates have been reserved across Milan through the MiCo dmc, the Official Housing Bureau for the 2026 FIATA World Congress. Due to limited room availability in Milan, early booking is strongly advised. Contact [email protected] or visit fiata2026.com/accommodation for more information on accommodation availability.

As visa procedures can take up to 120 days, delegates are encouraged to begin the process without delay. Documentation required for visa application can be requested and will be provided upon proof of payment of the registration fee. Visit fiata2026.com/visa for more information.

Early bird registration closes 29 May 2026. Do not miss your chance to secure a seat at a reduced rate!
 

For sponsorship and exhibition enquiries, contact:
[email protected].

Register here for the 2026 FIATA World Congress!

Contract Management and Due Diligence: Keeping Operations Secure

Reports reaching the FIATA Headquarters in recent months point to a rise in commercial disputes between freight forwarders and their counterparties. While each situation is unique, the underlying pattern is familiar. Gaps in due diligence and contract management can quickly lead to operational and financial exposure.

Freight forwarders operate across jurisdictions, often under time pressure and with multiple intermediaries involved. In that context, taking a moment to verify counterparties, clarify contractual terms, and document agreements carefully remains essential. It is often these early steps that determine how effectively risks can be managed later on.

Members are encouraged to review their internal processes and ensure that appropriate checks are consistently applied, particularly when entering into new relationships or handling unfamiliar partners. Clear communication, well-defined payment terms, and proper record-keeping all contribute to reducing uncertainty.

To support this, FIATA has developed practical guidance for the industry. The FIATA Best Practice Guide on Contract Management offers a useful reference point, with recommendations designed to strengthen contractual frameworks and mitigate common risks.

For further information or support, Members may contact the FIATA Legal Team at [email protected].

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