Shipping Arabia, October 27, 2026 – Dr. Dureid Mahasneh, FONASBA Regional Vice President for the Middle East and Chief Executive Officer of Jordan’s Gargour Shipping Company, participated in the Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA) 2026 Annual Meeting, held in Tokyo, Japan, from October 11 to 14. The international gathering brought together maritime industry leaders, shipping agents, shipbrokers and representatives of national maritime associations to discuss developments affecting the global shipping industry.
Hosted by the Japan Association of Foreign-Trade Ship Agencies (JAFSA), the annual meeting provided a platform for dialogue on maritime trade, professional standards and international industry cooperation. Discussions also examined the evolving responsibilities of shipping agents and shipbrokers amid changing global operating conditions.
Dr. Mahasneh participated as a speaker in the conference’s Education and Quality panel, contributing to discussions on professional competence, maritime training and the importance of maintaining trust and recognized standards within the ship agency profession.
Dr. Dureid Mahasneh Joins International Panel on Maritime Education and Professional Standards
On October 13, Dr. Mahasneh participated in the Education and Quality panel titled “From Competence to Confidence: Talent, Training & Trust in a Disrupted World.”
Moderated by Akanksha Batura Pai of Singapore, the discussion brought together maritime industry representatives from Jordan, Singapore, Portugal, Egypt and Brazil. Other panelists included Lakhbir Singh, Antonio Belmar, Ahmed Mouselhy and Ricardo von Sohsten.
The session explored the role of professional competence, structured training and maritime education in strengthening ship agency services. Participants examined how the industry can maintain professional standards while developing the skills required to respond to changing international shipping demands.
Another central theme was the relationship between practical maritime experience, local market knowledge and recognized professional standards. Discussions highlighted how these elements contribute to professional development and help establish confidence and trust in maritime services.
Dr. Mahasneh’s participation brought Jordanian and Middle Eastern representation to the international discussion on maritime education and professional development.
In addition to his responsibilities as FONASBA Regional Vice President for the Middle East and CEO of Gargour Shipping Company, Dr. Mahasneh serves as Chairman of EDAMA, the Jordanian Association for Energy, Water and Environment.
His professional background spans maritime operations, port management, marine sciences and environmental sustainability. These areas are increasingly interconnected with the development of shipping, port operations and logistics infrastructure.
FONASBA 2026 Annual Meeting Addresses Global Shipping Challenges
The FONASBA 2026 Annual Meeting featured an extensive program examining developments and challenges across the international maritime industry. Discussions covered maritime trade corridors, international shipbroking, shipping and logistics integration, regional resilience and the future of ship agency services.
Among the conference sessions were “Maritime Corridors: Insights from Our Members” and “Shipbroking Across East and West: Lessons from Asia.” These discussions provided opportunities for representatives from different maritime markets to exchange perspectives on industry developments and regional operating conditions.
Other sessions included “Shipping and Logistics: A Marriage Made in Heaven” and “The Future of the Ship Agent.” The discussions addressed the relationship between shipping and logistics activities and examined the changing role of maritime service providers.
The conference also featured a keynote address by Sakura Kuma, Executive Officer of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Managing Director of MOL (Asia Oceania) and President of WISTA Japan.
Additional presentations addressed maritime authorities, EU-Japan industrial cooperation and regional challenges affecting shipping and logistics. Together, the sessions provided a forum for exchanging industry knowledge and discussing matters of common interest to FONASBA’s international membership.
Japan Maritime Industry Seminars and FONASBA Council Meeting
The final day of the annual gathering included host-country seminars examining developments across Japan’s maritime and transport sectors.
These sessions focused on Japan’s intermodal transport systems, container shipping developments and the country’s wider maritime industry. They provided international participants with insights into the Japanese market and its approach to maritime and logistics activities.
The Federation’s Council Meeting took place on October 14, concluding the four-day program in Tokyo.
Throughout the event, FONASBA members had opportunities to exchange professional knowledge, strengthen international relationships and discuss cooperation across the ship agency and shipbroking sectors.
Dr. Mahasneh’s participation, both as FONASBA Regional Vice President for the Middle East and as a speaker in the Education and Quality session, reflected Jordan’s involvement in international maritime dialogue.
The gathering also highlighted the importance of professional education, industry cooperation and internationally recognized standards in supporting the continued development of maritime services.
Source: FONASBA
