Facts & Figures

European shipping in numbers

European shipping is a global maritime powerhouse. With 570.5 million gross tonnes (GT) across 22,403 vessels, European shipowners represent one third of the world’s shipping capacity and hold strong positions in every major vessel segment, from bulk carriers and tankers to container ships and offshore vessels.

Every year, European Shipowners | ECSA publishes the study The economic value of European shipping with numbers on the European shipping fleet, its different segments, and the economic value of shipping for Europe. This year, we included numbers on the clean fuels price gap and strategic security.

Download the flyer with the key figures from the 2026 edition. The full study (and older versions) can be found on the bottom of this page.

European shipping at a glance

European shipowners are active in all shipping sectors — from containers and bulk to ferries and offshore — but face fierce international competition. While the European shipping fleet is growing steadily, other fleets are growing faster:

The economic value of European shipping

European shipping generates significant economic value, supporting millions of jobs and contributing billions to the EU economy each year. It is an engine of trade, employment, and strategic autonomy.

The EU’s economy is deeply interconnected with the world — with a trade-to-GDP ratio of 106%. 76% of EU external trade moves by sea, making shipping vital for sustaining this openness and competitiveness. From raw materials to finished goods, European shipping ensures that food, energy, and essential supplies reach the continent.

The sustainable fuels availability gap

European shipowners are leading global investment in sustainable fuel-powered vessels but Europe’s fuel availability is not keeping pace. This imbalance raises energy security concerns, as European shipowners are ordering vessels that will require sustainable fuels at scale while production capacity is being built predominantly outside Europe.

Shipping’s segments

Far from being a single, uniform industry, shipping encompasses a wide range of specialised segments, vessel types, and business models, each playing a vital role in transporting goods, people, and services across the globe. From container ships carrying manufactured goods, to bulk carriers transporting raw materials, to ferries connecting communities, and offshore vessels supporting energy infrastructure, every segment contributes to the smooth functioning of international supply chains and mobility.