AURORA is the 1st Italian Shipper’s Association, born in 2012 from an idea of Kelmer Procurement ltd and Whirlpool Europe. Mission: to achieve business stability and costs predictability in the maritime freight industry, by procuring to Shippers medium-long term (min 12 months) all-in industrial rates, and establishing long terms relationship with Shipping Companies, with the avoidance of speculations driven by market prices fluctuation. AURORA combines the FCL maritime transports volumes of more Shippers, and executes structured annual Tenders with Shipping Companies (Carriers). Shippers joining AURORA will benefit of additional services: • Support in disputes with Carriers • Suppliers Risk Management • Operations monitoring through web portal • Constant analysis of market prices trend • Cross Companies relationship management • Further cooperation proposals between Companies (ex. Contracts for inland transports/ containers replacement) • Relationship management with Port Authorities and various Institutions • Industrial policy influencing in Shippers favor • Best informatics tools accessibility for freights management