The Way Ahead: ECSA/EMEC Joint Press Release

PRESS RELEASE - Brussels, 21st May, 2008

On Wednesday 4 June 2008, the European Community Shipowners Associations (ECSA) and the European Marine Equipment Council (EMEC) are organising a one day workshop under the theme: ‘Shipping and Climate Change – The Way Ahead’. This workshop is the first step in a combined European effort to further reduce ships’ emissions.

Alfons Guinier, ECSA’s Secretary General states:

“The maritime industry is actively looking at how it can best contribute further to the ongoing improvement of its CO2 performance. Although climate change is an environmental challenge, the solution must be found on a technical and operational level. The Marine Equipment industry is therefore a natural partner in this respect”.

Europe’s dynamic maritime sector is a world player. In shipping and logistics, shipbuilding and marine equipment, ship-broking and insurance, offshore energy, dredging and extraction, hydraulic engineering, fisheries, coastal tourism, and marine research. European expertise and European assets generate over 5 million jobs and up to 5 % of Europe’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Paola Lancellotti, EMEC’s Secretary General:

“Using the expertise within the maritime industry can both improve shipping’s environmental performance and at the same time, strengthen the competitive position of the industry. We are dedicated to build relationships and exchange knowledge. This workshop is seen as a first step in that process”.

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.