At the 2025 European Shipping Summit ESS European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas and Director-General of DG-MOVE Magda Kopczyńska delivered keynote addresses that underscored the EU’s strategic focus on bolstering the maritime sector’s competitiveness, revitalising shipbuilding, and leveraging decarbonisation as an economic opportunity.
It is noteworthy that the first edition of the European Shipping Summit ESS took place on the 19-20 September 2023 at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels. Two days filled with high-level dialogues, networking opportunities and discussions on the future of shipping. Check out a small recap below.
Funding for shore power infrastructure
Shipping executives have called for expanded funding for shore power infrastructure to support ferry electrification and maritime decarbonisation. Speaking at the European Shipping Summit’s seminar in Brussels on March 19, industry leaders stressed the need for broader investment beyond berth connections. The seminar, titled “Shore Power Offers…
Among many great speakers and panelists were José Manuel Barroso, Former President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission,
Since the last summit two years ago, there have been significant market shifts, particularly the rise of the LNG pathway as a practical and realistic route to shipping’s decarbonisation now.
In 2024, we saw a surge in orders for new vessels that will utilise LNG, further cementing its role in achieving net-zero emissions. LNG dual-fuelled vessels now represent 70% of alternative-fuelled tonnage ordered (excluding LNG carriers), a sharp increase from 43% in 2023.
As the years progress, new builds are expected to continue to favour LNG as the primary fuel pathway. Given the skyrocketing demand, we’re eager to discuss how we can work together to prioritise EU funding for low and zero carbon maritime fuels production including liquefied biomethane and e-methane.
Soren Toft speech
In his speech Soren Toft, CEO of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and Chairman of WSC, emphasize “a powerful keynote at the European Shipping Summit (ESS). His message was clear – the path to net-zero by 2050 is challenging but also an opportunity for economic growth and innovation.
Mr. Toft outlined four key priorities for decarbonisation for the EU”
Net-Zero by 2050 & the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal.
“Our industry must reach net-zero by 2050, and this is perhaps the biggest challenge it is facing. I applaud the approach that the European Commission has taken with the Clean Industrial Deal, to look at decarbonization as an opportunity for economic growth. We need to combine decarbonization and increased competitiveness in a way that makes it into a European success story.”
Liner shipping is committed. Today, 79% of the containerships and vehicle carriers in the orderbook to be delivered by 2030 can use renewable fuels – that’s more than 700 ships. By 2030, more than 22% of fleet capacity (TEU) will be dual fuel.
Global Carbon Pricing & Fuel Standards at the IMO.
“It is vital that we get an agreement in IMO on a Global Carbon Pricing Mechanism and a Global Fuel Standard. The EU has done sterling work in advancing these measures with clarity on the goals. Equally important, a good deal in IMO will enable the EU to review the EU ETS so that EU decarbonization goals can be maintained while a global level playing field is reestablished for maritime transport. This would boost both European competitiveness and decarbonization.”
Technology & Fuel Neutrality.
“The EU needs to underpin European infrastructure and production of green molecules for maritime transport. There are some very commendable measures being put into place by the Clean Industrial Deal and I look forward to the actions that will specifically address marine fuels.” The EU also needs to have rules in place that allow for sourcing of renewable fuels from outside the EU.
A Competitive Framework for Decarbonization.
The vast investments by shipowners today into decarbonization are in large part possible thanks to the framework conditions provided to us by the EU… They must be maintained.”
“Make no mistake – a propulsion revolution is already in the making – and the decisions of policymakers at both the EU and International Maritime Organization should at this point seek to facilitate our progress and initiative
Shipping anchors the EU’s Future
On the Other hand the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) successfully organized, as part of the ESS, the event titled Shipping anchors the EU’s Future on Wednesday, March 19 at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels.
The convention highlighted the vital role of shipping in safeguarding Europe’s security & prosperity with the participation of Ioannis Vrailas, Ambassador of the Permanent Representative of Greece to the EU, Melina Travlos, UGS President, Charles Michel, President Emeritus of the EC, former Prime Minister of Belgium, Minister of State, as well as of Faig Abbasov, Shipping Director at T&E, Dimitrios Fafalios, UGS Secretary, Polona Gregorin, Head of Unit for Mobility, DG CLIMA, EC.
(ECSA) rebrands as European Shipowners
UGS also held significant meetings with EU’s officials. The President and members of the BoD, Dimitris Fafalios, Marily Fragkista, Ioanna Procopiou & Vassilis Papagiannopoulos, met with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport & Tourism, & Oliver Röpke, President of the European Economic & Social Committe
A firm stand for diversity and inclusion
ًWhereas Nautilus International took a firm stand for diversity and inclusion in the maritime sector during the European Shipping Summit ESS, which assistant general secretary Sacha Meijer and head of international Danny McGowan attended on behalf of the Union and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF).
Closing the talent gap in seafaring
Ms Meijer participated in a panel discussion on closing the talent gap in seafaring by attracting and retaining more women, where she highlighted the importance of a better work-life balance as a key factor for recruitment and retention. Without improving flexibility for careers at sea, the industry would ‘struggle to attract not only women but also young men to this beautiful and unique profession,’ said Ms Meijer.
Innovative labour contracts
She proposed innovative labour contracts that allow seafarers – both men and women – to alternate between sea and shore roles, especially during early parenthood. Meijer suggested that subsidies or funding for such experimental, flexible models could help retain talent.
Critical issues
The panel also addressed critical issues such as sexism, prejudice, bullying, harassment, and violence in the maritime workplace. Ms Meijer stressed that combating these challenges is essential to creating a safer and more inclusive environment that appeals to a broader workforce.
Attracting European seafarers
Finally, Ms Meijer questioned whether the industry’s push to remain internationally competitive –often through wage competition – can co-exist with its call to attract more European seafarers and women.Can we be serious about attracting European seafarers and women if we are also serious about competing globally on wages?’ she asked, leaving the audience with a thought-provoking challenge
A group of 21 like-minded global trade unions
Nautilus International‘s advocacy for diversity and labour reform signals a growing movement toward a more flexible and inclusive maritime industry. The Nautilus Federation, a group of 21 like-minded global trade unions in shipping and inland waterways transport, has released a new report which aims to finally end the conversation on recruitment and retention of seafarers, and prompt the industry to act on the issue.
European shipping : 35% of global fleet, studies find
Source Photos :ESS
