On Tuesday 4 February, the World Shipping Council (WSC) called on the European Union to play a central role in decarbonising maritime transport in order to ensure it becomes more competitive.
Pointing out that 90% of EU exports and imports are carried out by sea and that 65,000 port calls are made in 130 European ports every year, the WSC defended the development of the ‘ETS’ system for trading greenhouse gas emission quotas.
To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, WSC members have invested in dual-fuel container ships. The main challenge, however, remains the cost of alternative fuels, which is three to five times higher than that of fossil fuels (see EUROPE 13551/25).
The Netherlands, Spain, Belgium and Italy, who are already the main suppliers of marine fuels, “have the opportunity to stand out by selling green fuels to ships and to draw the renewable ships to Europe”, said the representatives.
The WSC also warned about threats to security. Citing the increase in container fires and illicit traffic affecting the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp, the organisation has recommended the use of advanced technologies to detect dangerous cargo. (Original version in French by Justine Manaud – intern)