Brussels, 03/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - According to a recent Oxford Economics report, the European maritime transport industry is in excellent health.
The report, presented on Wednesday 2 April following the seminar organised by the European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA), highlights that the EU-controlled fleet (comprising also vessels which sail under a non-EU flag) represents around 40% of global gross tonnage transported. The European fleet expanded by more than 70% in tonnage between 2005 and 2014. Still in terms of gross tonnage, the EU controls 60% of the world's container ships. The success of the sector has substantially contributed to the European economy. The same report points out that the maritime transport industry contributed €145 billion to the European GDP and employed 2.3 million people in 2012. ECSA Secretary General Patrick Verhoeven was delighted that the industry remains “a world leader” despite competition from Asia and the Middle East. The association attributes this success to the state aid provided by various member states in the 90s.
European Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas, who took part in the seminar, was quick to raise the issue. He believes that the new European rules on state aid provide a fine compromise, taking account of the sector's specific needs. He said he is aware there is no wish in the sector for any further change and acknowledges that, in this, he has some sympathy. Nevertheless, he indicated that it is not for the maritime sector to decide on its own and that an eye had to be kept on the broader context.
Kallas also pointed out that the sector, the member states and the Commission have to work together to ensure that International Maritime Organisation (IMO) rules deliver safer, cleaner shipping, with fair competition conditions across the globe. “The shipping industry can only win from this approach”, he argued. (MD)