The Way Ahead: ECSA/EMEC Joint Press Release
Workshop Shipping and Climate Change: The Way Forward first step in successful cooperation
PRESS RELEASE - Brussels, 5th June, 2008
A successful first European Workshop ‘Shipping and Climate Change – The Way Ahead’ was held yesterday in Brussels. The shipping industry can contribute to the European ambitions in respect to CO2 emission through modal shift and innovation within an international regulatory framework.
Representatives from the European Commission, Parliament and Member States, together with industry partners from the dynamic maritime sector, gathered in the Stanhope Hotel to discuss future technical, operational and legislative options to further reduce ships’ emissions. The workshop showed that many initiatives are being taken by the industry. It also showed that climate change is not only an environmental challenge, but also an opportunity to strengthen the competitive position of Europe and its industry.
The workshop underlined that technologies that reduce fuel consumption will help Europe to achieve its goals in the Lisbon Agenda as well as the Kyoto Protocol. Aiming for a win-win-win situation (environment - Europe’s competitive position - reduced fuel consumption) is a challenge that can be achieved through cooperation. The industry therefore urged that EU Member States and the European Commission actively support the IMO in developing international solutions.
Building trust and understanding is what this workshop was aiming for. International rules and regulations, combined with European supporting programs demonstrating new technologies is the only viable way forward. Both ECSA and EMEC are dedicated and enthusiastic to play their part, and look forward to future cooperation between industry and the Commission.
European Community Shipowners Associations (ECSA)
The European Community Shipowners Associations (ECSA), formed in 1965, comprises the national shipowner associations of the EU and Norway. European shipping controls more than 40% of the global merchant fleet serving European and global trade. ECSA works through a permanent secretariat in Brussels and a Board of Directors, as well as a number of specialised committees. Its aim is to promote the interests of European shipping so that the industry can best serve European and international trade and commerce in a competitive free enterprise environment to the benefit of shippers and consumers.
European Marine Equipment Council (EMEC)
The European Marine Equipment Council (EMEC), which represents the European marine equipment industry (the term ‘marine equipment’ refers to all products and services supplied for the building, conversion, and maintenance of ships), consists of 12 European trade associations. The companies active in the sector, the majority of which are SMEs and world leaders in many of the activities, produce up to 70% of the value of a ship (85% for cruise ships). They qualify as the most important employer in the maritime industry and highly contribute to the European economic growth.
