The European Shortsea Network (ESN), represented by its President Charalambos Simantonis, participated in the high-level Strategic Dialogue on the EU Industrial Maritime Strategy, organised by the European Commissionunder the leadership of the European Commissioner for Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
The meeting took place on 1 July in Brussels.
As clearly highlighted in the Draghi Report, strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of European shipping is considered crucial for maintaining and enhancing the overall economic prosperity of the European Union. At the same time, the further development of shortsea shipping and intermodal transport is regarded as a key prerequisite for Europe’s green transition and the achievement of its climate objectives.
During the working meeting with the Commissioner, the European Shortsea Network presented the main strategic priorities it considers essential for the future of the sector.
Alignment of EU and IMO Regulations
Harmonising regulations at the international level is of paramount importance in order to prevent the emergence of a two-speed maritime industry and to safeguard the competitiveness and sustainability of European shipping.
Development and Implementation of a Consistent Strategy for Intermodality
EU regulations, as currently implemented, make it increasingly difficult to shift cargo from land to sea, as they continuously increase the operational costs of ships. This effectively undermines the EU’s own policy objective of promoting intermodal transport.
Need for Appropriate Financial Instruments
In order for the modernisation of European shipping to remain commercially viable while maintaining the sector’s competitiveness, it is necessary to establish dedicated financial instruments. These should enable the construction of modern, environmentally friendly vessels in European shipyards, using European technology, thereby also supporting the European industrial base and economy.
A Change in the European Policy Mindset
The EU’s policy to promote shortsea shipping and intermodal transport aims to shift cargo flows from road corridors to maritime routes, since shipping remains the most environmentally friendly transport mode.
However, within this transport chain Europe tends to treat the ship itself as a given link. While support is provided to sectors that facilitate the functioning of this transport chain, no equivalent legislative initiatives have been adopted to directly support the European fleet itself.
As ESN President Charalambos Simantonis stated following the meeting, after thanking the Commissioner for the invitation:
“If we damage European shipping, we ultimately weaken the European economy as a whole.”