The Bulgarian Association of Ship Brokers and Agents (BASBA), Varna, was founded in 1997 and initially called Regional Association of the Ship Brokers and Agents (RASBA - Varna) which was the parent body, as a non-profit organization by Common Act by 32 companies involved in ship brokerage and ship agency services in the ports of Bulgarian Black Sea region. The Association has grown to national body and was named BASBA in 2003 when companies operating in all main Bulgarian ports became members of the Organization.

  In general, its aims and objects are to promote fair and equitable practices of profession of the brokers and agents profession, and to consolidate the efforts of its Members in protecting and furthering their interests.

  Since it was established, the BASBA enjoyed important achievements. The Association has become a reliable partner of many companies and organizations whose activity is close to that of its Members. Stable relations with the central and local governmental authorities have been set up. Regular contacts concerning daily matters with Port and Customs authorities are also running.

  The BASBA is a Full Member of the Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA) and the European Community Association of Ship Brokers and Agents (ECASBA).

  To effectively carry out its objectives, the BASBA formed a Liner Agents section, Brokers section and Danube river section within its structure. The documentation related to the status of the Association and to the professional conduct of the brokers and agents has been successfully discussed and adopted. These basic documents are now complied with and used by the Members in their practice.

   Members of BASBA are liner agents of such container lines as Happag Lloyd, Norasia, MSC, CMA-CGM, Yang Ming, ZIM Intenational Israel, Senator Lines, K-Line etc. Members of Brokers section represent some of the biggest Bulgarian industrial companies, such a chemical, extracting and energy companies for instance, and some of the most sizeable shipowners in the region.

  Members of BASBA serve as agents about 70 % of  ships calling at the ports of Varna region, about 90 % of ships calling at Danube ports of Bulgaria and also hold considerable part of market of agent services in the Port of Bourgas.

  In accordance with the Articles of Association the governing bodies of BASBA are the General Meeting of its Members, and the Managing Board. The daily affairs are run by its Secretariat.

  Presently the BASBA has 51 companies as its Members, who, together with the Association are seeking to establish close relations with similar bodies outside Bulgaria, and, of course, to be able to provide their services to all clients – present and future.