Trans Ocean Pacific (TOP) – the NVOCC subsidiary of Europe Cargo BVBA, the Belgian member of the FPS network of independent forwarders and consolidators – has been absorbed into the parent business with effect from January 1st 2015. The resulting business is now active in general freight forwarding, ocean freight consolidation and project shipping. All TOP staff have joined Europe Cargo, and all TOP activities will now be handled by the newly-merged business. TOP’s senior management have also joined the Europe Cargo board  to ensure continuity of service and standards. The merged companies see clear advantages to continuing their activities in Belgium under a single  name in the future, explains Director Eric Vrolijk: “One business name is easier to market than two, especially as they are involved in similar business. But there will be no changes to ownership, management or staff, address, or contact details.” Europe Cargo was founded in 1992, while TOP was launched a year later. In the past year, Europe Cargo had already taken a majority stake in Trans Ocean Pacific, and January 1st saw the conclusion of this process. Says Director Fred Konings, who has managed TOP in recent years: “Through this amalgamation of the businesses, we are creating a stronger company which is ready to take on new challenges and develop new activities.”