In recent years, geopolitical uncertainties—ranging from supply chain disruptions and energy crises to shifting trade flows—have underscored the decisive role European shipping plays in safeguarding Europe’s security and competitiveness.
According to a new study by the European Community Shipowners’ Associations | ECSA, European shipping accounts for 34.5% of the global fleet and holds a commanding position in key sectors. Specifically, it represents inter alia 28% of the global dry bulk fleet, 34% of the tanker fleet, and 45% of the container ship fleet.
Our ships transport the food we eat, the energy we need, the raw materials for the energy transition, and the everyday goods we rely on. Yet, a robust European fleet is not only critical for the security of Europe’s supply chains; it is also essential for its economic competitiveness.
The European Union has reaped significant benefits from international trade and continues to invest heavily in global partnerships. The EU’s trade-to-GDP ratio remains considerably higher than that of both the US and China. With 76% of the EU’s external trade transported by sea, a powerful European fleet is vital to keeping Europe connected to global markets and ensuring the continent’s energy and supply chain security.
For this reason, securing open trade corridors and fortifying international trade partnerships must remain a strategic priority for Europe. In an era in which various nations are turning toward protectionism, it is crucial that the EU strikes the right balance between bolstering its strategic sectors and championing open, rules-based trade. The pursuit of new Free Trade Agreements, alongside the swift ratification and implementation of pending treaties, represent concrete steps in this direction.
Our new study also revealed that European shipowners are spearheading the energy transition, accounting for 44% of the global orderbook for vessels powered by sustainable fuels. Still, investment is insufficient in itself—the clean fuels required to operate these ships are simply not yet available at scale.
Currently, 74% of the global supply of sustainable fuels is concentrated in Asia, while Europe accounts for a mere 10%. For this reason, we warmly welcome the EU’s new Industrial Maritime Strategy and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, both of which underscore the urgent need to build industrial capacity for clean fuels and green technologies.
European Shipowners have repeatedly called for the €9 billion generated by the shipping industry through the EU ETS to be reinvested in producing clean fuels within Europe and making them available across the bloc. This is not only critical for the sector’s own energy transition; it is also a cornerstone of the continent’s overarching energy security.
Long-term competitiveness also hinges on slashing unnecessary administrative red tape. This is particularly vital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for 90% of European shipping companies. We welcome the European Commission’s simplification agenda and strongly support the target of reducing reporting obligations by at least 25% for all corporate entities, and by at least 35% for the SMEs that form the backbone of our industry.
Furthermore, policymakers must ensure that sustainability reporting criteria are fit for purpose for the maritime sector, an industry that by its nature operates within an international regulatory framework.
European shipping owns 34.5% of the global fleet. While this is a formidable position to be in, it is not one we can afford to take for granted. Although our fleet is expanding, those of competing nations are growing at an even faster pace. This starkly highlights the fierce competition facing European shipping, alongside the critical need to maintain a level playing field globally, which ensures we can continue to play a substantive role in safeguarding Europe’s security and competitiveness.
Mr. Mikki Koskinen is the President of European Shipowners | ECSA.
