By Jite Eriabie
Italian shipowners have set up a new association under the name AssArmatori, which aims to serve as a strong representative body for the entire maritime sector.
Aside to Italian flag operators, the association is open to foreign companies with prevalent interests in the Italian market and employing Italian seafarers.
The deed of incorporation was signed in Rome on January 15 by its founding members – Ignazio Messina & C, Grandi Navi Veloci, Italia Marittima, Moby Lines and Tirrenia (through Fedarlinea). MSC Group and MSC Cruises are also members of the new association.
President of the Messina Group, Stefano Messina, has been appointed as the first president of the association for a term of four years.
The association aims to bring maritime companies under one roof in order to join forces in improving working conditions in the transport sector and boosting the efficiency of services in line with the technological developments.
With its incorporation, AssArmatori became part of Confcommercio, the Italian General Confederation of Enterprises, Professional Occupations and Self-employment, which is the largest enterprise-representative in Italy, with more than 820,000 members from the trade, tourist, service and transportation sectors.
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