Bulgaria Branch

Branch history

The Bulgaria branch of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers was first established in 2002 as an ITC, thanks to the work of a group of enthusiastic fellows and members who had previously taken their ICS exams in London - in particular ROsen Kosturkov, FICS, Daniel Stefanov, FICS, and Todor Todorov, MICS (now FICS).  However the branch establishment would not have been possible without the guidance and special support of Todor Vassilev, FICS of Vassilev Maritime, Istanbul.

The ITC started working in close cooperation with the Naval Academy in Varna. The good relations between the Branch and the Academy grew stronger and was the foundation on which the branch continued to develop its structure. The ITC was recognised and officially registered as a Branch of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, on 16th January 2013.

The branch official establishment was possible due mainly to the efforts of past Chairman, Mr Daniel Stefanov, FICS, who organised and arranged the whole event.

The Branch today

The mission of the branch is to promote the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and its values, promoting professionalism in commercial shipping locally.

In Varna, there are a lot of young professionals with on-board experience, who constitute a vital part of the international shipbroking and operations community.

The branch endeavours to hold regular seminars, particularly on legal matters. This aims at boosting the professional knowledge of the branch membership as well as at offering networking opportunities. As an educational body, the branch is actively organising events in conjunction with the Court and Customs officers at the ports of Varna and Bourgas.

The branch also works closely with the Bulgarian Association of Ship Brokers and Agents - BAKBA. The Branch is partner with the Odessa law firm, Interlegal, and with Vassilev Maritime, Istanbul.

The Branch is based in Varna and has its office within the premises of the Naval Academy. Visitors are received in the office by appointment only.

For more information please check the branch website here.

The branch committee