Setting Course Together for a Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Maritime Sector
Recommendations for EU Policy Priorities 2024-2029
The shipping industry is a pillar of the EU economy. Liner shipping companies – container and vehicle carriers – transport roughly two-thirds of the value of the EU’s seaborne trade by value, equivalent to EUR 1.7 trillion of imports and exports. This represents over 100 million TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of cargo annually, carried to Europe in high-capacity vessels. The industry's contributions are essential to the EU’s economic vitality, underpinning trade, supporting employment, and ensuring the smooth flow of goods across borders.
Looking ahead to the EU's 2024-2029 legislative period, WSC urges the EU to:
Exercise its leadership in securing global greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction regulations and actively implement the EU Green Deal to accelerate at home the decarbonisation of the maritime industry.
Intensify efforts to secure maritime supply chains against illicit trafficking and geopolitical risks, enhancing the safety of seafarers and the resilience of trade routes.
Facilitate maritime commerce by addressing customs and administrative barriers, ensuring streamlined, efficient trade to enhance European competitiveness.
Together the EU and Liner Shipping should cooperate to design policy frameworks that facilitate the essential role of shipping in a globally connected and thriving economy while forging ahead on towards the green transition, for net-zero shipping by 2050.
Climate & Environment.
Liner shipping is leading the maritime sector effort to decarbonise through direct investment in vessels that can operate on near-zero and zero-GHG fuels. WSC calls on the EU to work for effective global greenhouse gas reductions, and to implement the Green Deal to ensure supply of green fuels.
Safety & Security.
The liner shipping industry recognises the critical role it plays in keeping the flow of goods through Europe’s maritime supply chains safe and secure. WSC invites EU policymakers to foster public-private partnerships, leveraging our combined expertise to bolster maritime supply chains for a safer, more resilient future.
Trade Facilitation.
The shipping industry transport 90% of the EU’s external trade, playing a critical role for the EU’s economy, efficiently connecting manufacturers, retailers and consumers to global markets and suppliers. WSC seeks enhanced trade facilitation measures, leveraging our collective expertise to ensure Europe remains a competitive force in the global economy, supported by efficient and streamlined transport and trade practices.
June 25 Maritime Policy Breakfast
Join us in Brussels to learn more about WSC recommendations for the EU's maritime agenda 2024 - 2029, to hear what EU policy makers think, and to make your voice heard.
Pre-register below to reserve your place!
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