WSC urges EU to work with industry on shipping’s net-zero journey

The World Shipping Council (WSC), the united voice of liner shipping, has called on the European Union to design policy frameworks that facilitate the essential role of shipping in a globally connected economy and to forge the path to net-zero shipping by 2050 in partnership with industry.

Liner shipping is leading the maritime sector’s effort to decarbonize, with nearly 60% of new vessels to be delivered before 2030 designed to run on the greenest marine fuels.

The EU has an important role to play in the development of effective and efficient global climate regulations at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) by 2025, according to WSC.

WSC is also urging the EU to implement the EU ETS and FuelEU to ensure that the full climate impact of fuels is taken into account, and so that production of renewable fuels scales to meet fleet demand.

On safety and security, the liner shipping industry recognizes its critical role in keeping the flow of goods through Europe’s maritime supply safe and secure. To that end, the EU should in the new legislative period enhance partnerships within the EU Ports Alliance against drug trafficking, adapt and respond to new geopolitical risks, and improve sanctions compliance through collaborative frameworks, WSC added.

As explained, the EU should foster public-private partnerships to leverage the combined expertise to bolster maritime supply chains for a safer, more resilient future. To strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, the new European Commission should together with EU Member States work to boost maritime commerce through a more seamless single market and genuine customs union. WSC said it looks forward to partnering with European policymakers and stakeholders to enhance trade facilitation measures, leveraging their collective expertise to ensure Europe remains competitive in the global economy with the support of efficient, streamlined trade practices.

“The shipping industry’s contributions are essential to Europe’s economic vitality, underpinning trade, supporting employment and ensuring the free flow of goods. We urge the EU to work with us in partnership to safeguard a sustainable, competitive and secure maritime sector,” John Butler, President and CEO, commented.

Outlining its recommendations for the 2024-2029 legislative term, the WSC urges the EU to:

• Work to secure effective global greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction regulations and implement the Green Deal to ensure that the production of renewable marine fuels grows to match demand, to meet the target of decarbonizing shipping by 2050;
• Intensify efforts to secure maritime supply chains against illicit trafficking and geopolitical risks, while working together with industry to enhance the safety of seafarers and the resilience of trade routes;
• Minimize customs and administrative barriers to ensure streamlined, efficient trade that will enhance Europe’s competitiveness.

In related news, the World Shipping Council Board has appointed Joe Kramek as its new President & CEO, to succeed John Butler upon his retirement at the end of July.