WSC welcomes EU’s plans on security and decarbonisation

The World Shipping Council (WSC), which represents container lines and liner companies, has welcomed the European Union’s plans to strengthen port security and its focus on decarbonisation initiatives. The EU’s various proposals are set out in its ‘EU Ports Strategy and Maritime Industrial Strategy’.

The WSC has thrown its weight behind moves to tackle organised crime and the protection of Europe’s trade gateways. It has backed public-private partnerships and two-way information sharing between ports, shipping lines, and other industry partners.

The Council’s president and CEO, Joe Kramek, commented: “European ports and maritime supply chains are only as secure as their weakest link. Without strong public-private cooperation and consistent implementation across Member States, criminal activity will simply move elsewhere.”

Pointing out that liner shipping has invested about EUR 125 billion in more than 1,100 dual-fuel vessels, Kramek stressed that port infrastructure must match fleet investment with fuel supply and electrification.

Commenting on the IMO’s initiatives, he said: “Europe’s commitment to a global measure through the International Maritime Organization is essential, and we support action to review EU measures to avoid double payment.”