The European Shipping Summit 2023 in Brussels brought together representatives from across the maritime industry, government, finance, as well as energy and technology industries to address some of the most pressing topics for the future of the industry and of Europe.
Jansen, who is also the co-chair of the World Shipping Council’s Board, availed of the opportunity to share his views on the latest challenges the industry faces, the most pressing one being decarbonization and the sector’s approach to facilitating the transition while leaving no one behind.
The message of sector-wide collaboration comes at a critical time for European shipping, as the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is on the verge of entering into force.
The EU ETS represents a monumental shift in the maritime industry’s approach to environmental responsibility and carbon emissions. With its implementation, shipping companies will be required to cap their emissions and obtain allowances for the greenhouse gases they produce. This significant regulatory change not only underscores the pressing need for sustainability but also the urgency for the entire sector to work collectively towards greener practices.
“Four of the five largest liner shipping companies have their historical roots and headquarters in Europe, and together they account for roughly half of the global container fleet. This is a great legacy and a big asset at the same time. And it also means that Europe needs to set the stage – and be in the driver’s seat – for our industry’s energy transition,” he said.
Over 50% of container vessels currently under order and scheduled for delivery prior to 2027 are designed to operate on renewable fuels. That being said, the environmental impact of these vessels is contingent on the sustainability of the fuels they utilize. The summit stressed the urgent need to expand green electricity production, fuel manufacturing, and distribution systems.
While the EU Green Deal aims to boost green energy production in Europe, global regulations are seen as crucial for the transition. It was emphasized that industry cooperation between carriers and fuel providers is essential to establish the required market structures to meet global greenhouse gas reduction targets.
Investment in green energy for renewable maritime fuel production and infrastructure is seen as both an environmental necessity and a means to preserve Europe’s competitive position and facilitate the broader energy transition.
