Bulgarian Shipowners Association joins ECSA

The Bulgarian Shipowners Association (BSA) has become the 22nd member of the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), further expanding the network of the organization.

“We are proud to welcome the Bulgarian Shipowners Association as a new member of ECSA. The new association extends the geographical scope covered by our membership, brings additional expertise and knowledge, and further strengthens the position of European Shipowners in Brussels,” ECSA’s President Karin Orsel said.

BSA’s Chair Plamen Dimitrov commented: “We are happy that the Bulgarian Shipowners Association has become a member of ECSA. In this way, we join the big European family, hoping to contribute with our experience and expertise. While among our members is one of the oldest shipping companies in Europe, the fleet of our members is young, modern and efficient. We look forward to contribute to the decarbonisation debate which is top priority goal of EU, to exchanging ideas and to participating in the mission of ECSA.”

Founded in 1965, ECSA is the voice of the European shipping industry, promoting the interests of now 22 associations. As disclosed, ECSA strives for a regulatory environment that fosters the international competitiveness of European shipping, to the benefit of the European Union (EU).

European shipowners, reportedly, control 39.5% of the global commercial fleet, contribute €149 billion per year to the EU GDP and provide 2 million people with careers both on board and ashore.

In late 2024, ECSA and the European green transport group Transport & Environment (T&E) called on the EU to make the energy transition of shipping a priority. Specifically, they called upon EU leaders to prioritize clean fuel production. In a position paper, ECSA put forward several recommendations to support the production and uptake of clean fuels in shipping.

Furthermore, together with FuelsEurope, eFuel Alliance, EWABA, HydrogenEurope and Methanol Institute, ECSA also established a new Clean Maritime Fuels Platform, an industry initiative aiming to enhance communication between the shipping sector and fuel producers.