About European shipowners
The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) is the voice of European shipowners and promotes the interests of 21 member associations of the EU and Norway. ECSA strives for a regulatory environment that fosters the international competitiveness of European shipping.
The European shipping fleet in numbers
More than 4000 companies make up European shipowners, the vast majority of which are SME’s with ten vessels or fewer in their portfolio. In total, European shipowners control more than 22.000 vessels with a total gross tonnage of 543 million. That is equivalent to 35% of the entire global shipping fleet.
Broken down by segment, European shipowners control 35.7% of the global tanker fleet, 27.1% of bulk carriers, 36.3% of container vessels, 18.7% of specialised ships and 23.9% of non-cargo carriers. The European shipping fleet grows steadily with 1-2% a year, but it is still losing out globally – in particular to China. As such, the EU’s share of the global shipping fleet has decreased from nearly 40% to 35% since 2018.
The economic value of shipping for Europe
European economies depend on trade to a far greater extent than global competitors. As such, the trade to GDP ratio (a measure of an economy’s dependency on trade) for the EU is 106%, while both China (38%) and the USA (27%) are far lower. 76% of European external trade and almost 30% of intra-EU trade is carried out by shipping.
The total turnover of the European shipping sector in 2023 was 183 billion euros, and the economic impact was 127.8 billion euros. In 2021 (latest numbers), almost 1.5 million people were employed in and due to shipping – a sharp increase from previous years.
Read the full study ‘the economic value of the European shipping sector’ by CE Delft
Download the infographic The economic value of the European shipping sector
What we talk about when we talk about shipping
Shipping is not just shipping. There are great variations between vessel types, business models, functionalities, specificities and much more. Take liner and tramp shipping: Liners follow a fixed itinerary giving both operators and costumers predictability. Tramp services do not have a fixed schedule or route and is even available at a short notice providing great flexibility for costumers – but also unpredictability for the operator. Below you can find some of the main characteristics of the different segments to help you understand what we talk about when we talk about shipping.
Container shipping transports goods in standardised containers, facilitating efficient loading, unloading, and transfer across various transport modes. Container ships are a common means of commercial intermodal freight transport and now carry most seagoing non-bulk cargo. It is crucial for global trade, handling diverse cargo from electronics to clothing. European shipowners control 36.3% of the global fleet of container ships.
Did you know? 250 million containers are shipped globally each year. The largest container vessels can carry 24.000 containers (TEU).
Gas carriers are specialised ships designed to transport liquefied gases such as LNG (liquefied natural gas) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). They are vital for energy supply chains, supporting global energy markets and ensuring energy security by enabling the transport of gas from production sites to consumers. European shipowners control 31.6% of the global fleet of LNG carriers and 20.6% of LPG carriers.
Dry bulk shipping moves unpackaged bulk cargo such as coal, grain, and iron ore. There are several different types of specialised dry bulk vessels, each capable of carrying varying amounts of cargo. For example, a small mini-bulker has a capacity of up to 10,000 dwt whereas a giant-bulker can carry up to 400,000 dwt. Essential for industrial processes and food supply chains, this mode supports key industries by transporting large quantities of raw materials efficiently and cost-effectively across the globe. European shipowners control 28.2% of the global dry bulk fleet.
Oil tankers (or petroleum tankers) are vessels specifically designed for the bulk transportation of crude oil and refined petroleum products. They are integral to the energy sector, ensuring the global distribution of oil, which is critical for powering economies, industries, and transportation systems worldwide. European shipowners control 35% of the global fleet of oil tankers.
Offshore vessels support energy exploration and production activities at sea, including drilling rigs, platform supply, and construction. They are essential for the energy industry, facilitating the extraction of offshore resources and contributing to global energy supplies. Offshore vessels are some of the most technically sophisticated vessels afloat. These sophisticated vessels are called upon to perform precise operations in highly challenging conditions, while at the same time ensuring the safety of all personnel involved. European shipowners control 25.8% of the global offshore fleet.
General cargo vessels, including MPP (multi-purpose product) vessels and Ro-Ro ships, transport a wide variety of goods, from machinery and equipment to packaged goods and vehicles. They are versatile, catering to diverse cargo types, and are essential for industries requiring flexible shipping solutions, bolstering global trade and economic activities. European shipowners control 34.5% of the global general cargo vessels.
Ferries are ships that transport passengers, vehicles, and cargo over short distances. They are crucial for regional connectivity, providing vital links between islands and mainland, supporting tourism, local economies, and daily commuting for many communities. European shipowners control 58.6% of the global ferry fleet.
Cruise ships are large passenger vessels designed primarily for leisure travel, offering a variety of amenities such as dining, entertainment, and accommodation. These ships are a significant part of the global tourism industry, providing travelers with unique experiences across multiple destinations. Cruise shipping is integral to economic development in coastal regions and port cities, contributing significantly to local economies through tourism spending and employment opportunities. European shipowners control 9.5% of the global cruise vessel fleet.
Download the infographic Shipping’s segments What we talk about when we talk about shipping
