The European Court of Auditors (ECA) has audited the European Union Authorized Economic Operator programme (AEO),

In the executive summary of the audit report, that was published this week, the auditors write;

’The EU has a programme in place to simplify customs procedures for reliable traders, to facilitate legitimate trade between the EU and its global partners and to ensure international supply chain security – the Authorised Economic Operators programme. We examined whether the Commission provided a sound regulatory and monitoring framework and whether the Member States implemented the programme properly.

Our overall conclusion is that the AEO programme facilitates legitimate trade, enhances supply-chain security and the protection of the EU financial interest, but the management, regulatory framework and the implementation, including AEO benefits, require changes and improvements. We recommend the Commission to improve the regulatory framework, to better measure the programme’s performance and to enhance the monitoring of its implementation’

You can read the report here: European Court of Auditors: AEO

Global Trade 2.0 is here. I am a board member of several international think-tanks & research networks. We see clearly a new global trade paradigm evolving.

Today I was asked for a definition of Global Trade 2.0, so now I am working on it, defining the new global integrated network of connected supply chain players in an ecosystem of trust. What a great & fun job to define the next generation of international trade based on global trends & innovation.

Exciting news! We are thrilled to unveil the design of our first green fuel powered vessel . The build is on and it’s soon to be delivered by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard.



Our feeder vessel has a dual-fuel engine and will be able to operate on green methanol – our commitment to lead the way towards a sustainable shipping industry.

“I am very happy with the progress we are making on the project. We have now completed all key design-related milestones and production is progressing at full speed with delivery expected during summer. It has been a huge project, but we have succeeded not least due to great collaboration internally in Maersk and with our external partners,” says Ole Graa Jakobsen, Head of Fleet Technology.

Curious about the new branding and our star featuring on the side of the vessel for the first time?
“In order to communicate that the vessel is the start of a new generation of green methanol vessels, we looked at how to best communicate this. We ended up with the tagline ‘ALL THE WAY TO ZERO’ to build on our existing brand platform and to highlight our decarbonisation efforts.” Brian Borup Senior Brand and Design Manager.

Stay tuned for more updates on our first green methanol container transport vessel.