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

Key Events, Digitalisation, and Maritime Excellence

FIATA e-flash
27 January 2025

Don't Forget to Register for the 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting! Visa Letters will only be issued until 15 February 2025!

Register before 15 February 2025 for the 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting to ensure you receive your visa letter on time, if applicable! The annual FIATA HQ Meeting, taking place 17-20 March in Geneva, Switzerland, will bring together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders from around the globe to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the freight forwarding and logistics industry.

Key Highlights:
Date: 17-20 March 2025
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Venue: Geneva International Conference Center (CICG)

Why Attend?

  • Network with Industry Peers: Connect with peers and key decision-makers in the industry.
  • Participate in Workshops and Sessions: Participate in interactive workshops and sessions to address business challenges and gain valuable knowledge.
  • Collaborate with Global Policy Leaders in Logistics: Engage with key global policy leaders such as the International Transport Forum (ITF), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the World Bank, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and many more, to drive progress in global logistics and trade policies.
  • Build Connections at Social Events: Enjoy exclusive social events and dinners, providing a relaxed atmosphere to build lasting connections.

Important Visa Information:
Before completing your registration, please ensure you check the visa requirements for entry into Switzerland. Contact your nearest Swiss Embassy or Consulate for detailed information. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • Visa Processing Time: Obtaining a Swiss or Schengen visa can take up to 2 to 3 months. It is recommended to book your visa appointment at now to ensure your attendance in March.
  • Visa Letters: FIATA will issue visa letters upon receipt of payment. Please note that visa letters will not be issued after 15 February 2025, and are non-refundable.
  • For more detailed information, visit the Swiss visa information and FAQ.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative event that will shape the future of the logistics industry. Register now and secure your spot at the 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting!

For more information, visit the official event page.

We look forward to welcoming you to Geneva!

Register today and secure your spot!

FIATA's Active Engagement in 2025 IMO Meetings: Shaping the Future of Global Maritime Trade

FIATA at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), London, UK, 27 November 2024
From left to right: FIATA Senior Vice President and FIATA Working Group Sea Chair, Jens Roemer; FIATA International Trade and Law Officer, Leticia Cherini; FIATA Legal Services Director, Andrea Tang; and FIATA Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber.

As an Observer Member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), FIATA will be actively involved in a number of key meetings throughout 2025, submitting contributions and participating in discussions that align with our members' interests.

In the first semester of 2025, FIATA will attend the IMO Facilitation (FAL) Committee meeting, which will take place in March. This meeting will cover critical topics such as the implementation of single windows, the advancement of electronic business, maritime digitalisation, and the growing concern of cyber security. These discussions are vital to ensuring the smooth operation and future development of international trade.

In April, FIATA will also participate in the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting, where a major focus will be the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships. This issue is increasingly important for the global maritime industry as we work towards sustainable and environmentally responsible shipping practices.

Additionally, FIATA is set to attend the IMO Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) Committee meeting in July 2025. This will present a valuable opportunity to gather insights from reports of the various IMO committees and to contribute to the important work being developed across the organisation.

These engagements align with FIATA’s goal of maximising the value of its membership within the IMO. As the sole representative of freight forwarders' interests within the organisation, FIATA is committed to ensuring that the needs and concerns of the global freight forwarding community are consistently represented and addressed in the development of international maritime regulations. Stay tuned and contribute to FIATA's efforts by sharing your comments at [email protected]. 


Through its active participation, FIATA continues to strengthen its role in shaping the future of global maritime trade and advocating for best practices in the logistics and transport sector.

CargoSoft, VHSp and FIATA introduces the digital FIATA BL to Freight Forwarders in Germany

On 17 January 2025, FIATA Director General Dr. Stéphane Graber participated in a highly informative webinar organised by CargoSoft and Verein Hamburger Spekiteure e.V. (VHSp), FIATA's Association member in Germany. The 60-minute webinar, conducted in German, gave an overview of the integration of the electronic Negotiable FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (eFBL) into the CargoSoft Transport Management Systeme (TMS). With 131 participants attending (out of 157 registered), achieving an impressive no show rate, an average attendance time of 52 minutes and over 20 questions posed to the speakers, the webinar highlighted the strong interest among freight forwarders in the practical use of the eFBL. 

Key Takeaways from the Webinar:

  • Introduction to the eFBL: VHSp Deputy Managing Director Thomas Schröder highlighted the economic significance of the digitalisation of bill of ladings: according McKinsey the use of digital bill of lading could save an estimated USD 6.5 billion annually. The prerequisite for using the eFBL in Germany is membership in the DSLV Federal Association for Freight Forwarding and Logistics, to wich VHSp belongs, which enables the registration with FIATA. 
     
  • Seamless Integration: Markus Klein from CargoSoft's sales team demonstrated the seamless integration of the eFBL into the CargoSoft TMS, showcasing how it enhances efficiency and streamlines operations for freight forwarders. Special thanks Koch International Heinrich Koch International Spedition GmbH & Co. KG and Kopf & Lübben - Cargo Services, with whom the eFBL was first introduced and tested in Germany. The eFBL is now available via the CargoSoft TMS. An API facilitates real-time data exchange between the TMS system and FIATA. the final B/L is stored in the e-file, and an integrated QR code enables tracking of the docment issuer and involved parties.
    The 60-minute session was recorded and is available on CargoSoft YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/dsM7jz6E and German freight forwarders looking to integrate the eFBL into their CargoSoft TMS can book their appointment at [email protected]. 
     
  • Current status of the eFBL: FIATA Director General Dr Stéphane Graber highlighted that the eFBL is currently accessible and used by freight forwarders worldwide in hybrid format through over 50 leading software providers. Hybrid means that the eFBL, leveraging blockchain technology to guarantee the security and authenticity of the data, can be converted to paper and printed at any time of the process and used as an original document if required, following standard paper processes. Data remains under the ownership of the contractual carriers. Endorsement can be performed electronically to transfer control over the data and the goods. The FIATA eFBL has already proven to be extremely useful for landlocked countries and when transport times are short, such as in the Caspian Sea Region. Today the eFBL is available to over 40'000 FIATA Members worldwide, present in more than 150 countries. For any questions or to request assistance in starting using the eFBL, interested freight forwarders can contact FIATA at [email protected].  

The webinar emphasised the critical role of digitalisation in the logistics sector, illustrating how the eFBL can optimise business processes, reduce paperwork, improve data accuracy and start to use the eFBL solution developped by FIATA. This webinar is part of FIATA's ongoing efforts to drive digitalisation and innovation within the industry and prepare the FIATA membership to become Digital Freight Forwarders.

Stay tuned for more updates and future events as we continue to advance the logistics industry together.

FIATA inaugurated the first FIATA Digital Lab Webinar of 2025 with Ortelius

On Monday 20 January, FIATA hosted the first FIATA Digital Lab webinar of 2025, titled "Leveraging Digital Tools for Optimising Storage Solutions". The successful webinar had an attendance rate of 83% and a retention rate of over 95%, and was attended by key players and decision makers globally. With the participation of Ortelius, the session brought together logistics professionals to explore how Ortelius' innovative digital platform can transform the management of storage spaces within the supply chain.

FIATA Advisory Body Information Technology (ABIT) Chair, Tej Contractor, opened the webinar with a compelling discussion about the persistent challenges faced by freight forwarders in storage management, from underutilised space to inefficiencies in coordination. This introduction set the stage for the core presentation by Sylvain Naets and Jafar Bedja, the founders of Ortelius, who provided an in-depth demonstration of their platform.

Ortelius offers a unique logistics solution that connects ports, storage providers, and freight forwarders, creating an integrated ecosystem for managing storage spaces. The platform allows users to search for detailed port profiles, view available storage providers and transport services, and even communicate directly with stakeholders. Key features showcased during the webinar included tools for verifying ports, facilitating reservations, and streamlining communication, all designed to save time and boost operational efficiency.

Take advantage of the exclusive offer for FIATA Members! Sign up now and get free trial of 3 months and a 60% discount! Learn about Ortelius and the exclusive offer here.

Ortelius will also be attending the 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting. Register now to meet them in person!

The FIATA Digital Lab is an essential forum for exploring digital tools like Ortelius. By showcasing innovative solutions and the offers they provide to FIATA Members, the Digital Lab enables members to stay ahead in a rapidly digitalising industry. Discussions in these webinars not only introduce FIATA Members to practical tools but also help build connections with solution provider.

Contact us at [email protected] if you are a solution provider and would like to be part of the FIATA Digital Lab.

From left to right: Ortelius Co-Founder, Sylvain Naets; FIATA Director General, Sétphane Graber: Ortelius Co-Founder, Jafar Bedja; FIATA Digital Projects Officer, Noel Urassa.

Upcoming FIATA Events

  • 2025 HQ Meeting in Geneva Switzerland: 17-20 March
  • 2025 FIATA-RAME Field Meeting, Zanzibar, Tanzania: 30 April-1 May
  • 2025 FIATA-RAP Field Meeting, Delhi, India: 21-24 May
  • 2025 Statutory General Meeting, Virtual: 27 June
  • 2025 FIATA-REU Field Meeting, Prague, Czechia: 3-5 September
  • 2025 FIATA World Congress, Hanoi, Vietnam: 6-10 October
  • 2025 FIATA-RAMs Field Meeting, São Paulo, Brazil, dates tbc