At a conference on the future of logistics in Europe, which took place in Brussels last week, the European Commission announced that it intends to publish a framework strategy document on the future of logistics in Europe.

The ultimate goal of the announced Commission initiative is to find ways of ensuring that every link in the supply chain operates in an optimal way, cooperating seamlessly for an enhanced, synergistic effect. Such a system will of course heavily rely on ICT.

E-Maritime was referred to by Commissioner Kallas as a key element at the heart of the forthcoming vision document on the future of the European logistics chain, one that should serve as an example to other modes of transport.

The subject was discussed  in more detail at the conference during a dedicated session, which was chaired by ECSA Secretary General Patrick Verhoeven. It was concluded that the disproportionate bureaucratic burdens imposed on the maritime transport sector render the multifaceted e-Maritime concept a necessity.

Fortunately, some ground has already been covered. SafeSeaNet has considerably increased maritime safety and pollution prevention levels. Nevertheless, efforts in the area of trade facilitation and administrative simplification should be renewed.

The Blue Belt initiative and the proposal to develop an electronic manifest (e-manifest) are considered key initiatives for achieving trade facilitation and reducing administrative and customs burdens for shipping. Moreover the setting up of Maritime Single Windows across the EU, as foreseen by the Reporting Formalities Directive (Directive 2010/65/EU), should also provide necessary trade facilitations once fully implemented.

E-Maritime can and should be further developed to ensure harmonization of national administrative requirements for shipping which presently differ substantially from country to country, and even locally. Linkages with the IMO e-navigation programme should be promoted. In that respect, the EU could become an early adopter and promoter, by means of pilot projects in European region.

Participants agreed that there is pressing need to shift focus from the conceptual to the practical sphere by setting concrete deadlines and defining detailed objectives to be achieved. It is important, when outlining these steps to continue cooperating closely with industry and government stakeholders.