CO2 emissions reductions of the shipping – European Shipowners discussing the impact of improved machinery, propulsion, operation and design

In the European Shipowners’ seminar on CO2 reductions in the shipping industry one message was clear: in order to achieve CO2 reductions across the world merchant fleet, a combination of different measures is needed.

“In our seminar this week, we discussed with our stakeholders and European decision-makers different measures...

European Maritime Social Partners welcome the Directive ensuring the welfare of seafarers

The European Maritime Social Partners warmly welcome the European Commission’s adoption of their proposal to update their Agreement on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC).  The ILO MLC amendments entered into force on 18 January 2017 and require shipowners to provide financial security to ensure the...

European shipowners welcome the progress made at the IMO environmental meeting

ECSA representing the European shipowners believe that important progress was made last week at the International Maritime Organziation’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting.

In the meeting a plan was agreed to develop a CO2 reduction strategy in line with the Paris COP21 Agreement on climate change. An initial strategy...

Piracy situation still serious in the Gulf of Guinea

European shipowners are concerned about the continued piracy, armed robbery attacks and kidnapping for ransom events in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), and particularly off Nigeria.

According to the latest International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy report in total 33 vessels were boarded and four fired upon in the first three...

Digitalisation in shipping: Smart digital solutions to alleviate administrative workload on crew and companies

On the occasion of the “Digital Assembly 2017” co-organised on 15 & 16 June by the European Commission and the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU the European seafarers and shipowners highlight the importance that shipping is urgently better served by smart digital solutions to finally decrease the...

Shipowners welcome Council conclusions on EU maritime transport policy

European Transport Ministers adopted today conclusions on the priorities for the EU’s maritime transport policy until 2020. The conclusions endorse the content of the so-called “Valletta Declaration” adopted at the informal ministerial conference organised by the Maltese Presidency end of March.

“With the current EU strategy for maritime transport policy...

Shipowners encourage EU-China leadership in shaping IMO CO2 strategy

Following the decision of the United States to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, the European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) encourage the intentions of the European Union and the People's Republic of China to intensify cooperation in achieving a global climate deal...

Merchant ships' involvement in migrants’ search and rescue operations growing again

Merchant ships' involvement in migrants’ search and rescue operations growing again

ECSA’s Maritime Security Working Group recently had an exchange of views with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency in Warsaw on maritime security issues. The Shipping industry is directly affected by challenges, such as migrants at sea...

European shipping should remain the enabler of free movement of goods and persons event after Brexit

European shipowners today published their priorities when it comes to Brexit negotiations outcome. The shipping community embodies a fundamental acquis of the EU: Free movement of goods and persons. ECSA believes that the current operating climate should be preserved as much as possible even after the Brexit.

“European shipowners strongly...

Patrick Verhoeven to leave ECSA for IAPH

Patrick Verhoeven will leave the European Community Shipowners’ Associations on 1 September this year to become Managing Director Policy and Strategy at the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH). This is a new leadership function that was created following a fundamental reform of the organisation, which is meant to...