The World Shipping Council (WSC) has welcomed the opportunity to continue a constructive dialogue with the EU Commission, expecting the designated European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, to play a pivotal role in securing supply chains and decarbonising the shipping sector,
According to WSC, Commissioner-designate Tzitzikostas’ list of priorities should include protecting maritime supply chains against illegal trafficking and geopolitical dangers, integrating renewable energy into the transportation system, streamlining customs and administrative processes, and promoting effective public-private partnerships. The WSC is eager to collaborate with the new Commissioner on initiatives that enhance the security of European supply chains and the resilience of the shipping sector, to strengthen EU competitiveness.
WSC President and CEO Joe Kramek said: “We are confident that Commissioner designate Tzitzikostas will be instrumental in coordinating transportation, energy, and industry policies to promote sustainable shipping. We value our good working relationship with DG MOVE, and we relish the opportunity to partner with the new Commissioner to advance our shared objectives for the benefit of the industry and the broader EU economy.”
To combat climate change, WSC says the industry must collectively take immediate action to achieve long-term sustainability goals. WSC urges the EU to work constructively with IMO member states to ensure GHG regulations that make it possible for green fuels to compete with fossil fuels.
WSC considers that decarbonisation of the transport network and improvement of the energy network need to go hand in hand. Continuing to improve the EU transport and energy network will enhance the EU’s competitive position as well as support the global transition to decarbonisation. Low-GHG transportation networks depend upon fully integrated renewable energy networks, to ensure there is a strong supply of green maritime fuels and to prevent service disruptions in the coming years.
Image: Apostolos Tzitzikostas (source: European Commission)
