Following the latest piracy figures from International Maritime Bureau (IMB), European shipowners expressed concerns about the escalating rate of piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea and issued a position paper urging the EU authorities to step up their measures to improve security in the area.
In a letter to the EU’s Chief Negotiator for the exit of the UK from the EU, Michel Barnier, ECSA and its member the UK Chamber of Shipping, strongly urged for a negotiated settlement that includes a transition period. The letter underlines the economic repercussions on both the EU and the UK, in case of a no-deal scenario at this late stage.
Following a report on Maritime Subsidies in OECD countries by the International Transport Forum (ITF) questioning the effectiveness of the EU state aid guidelines (SAG), ECSA noted that the SAG are a profoundly effective instrument to boost the European shipping sector in a highly competitive global environment.
With a statement, ECSA warmly welcomed the draft list of the European Commission’s College-designate presented by President-elect Ursula von der Leyen on September 10. This follows a series of formal interviews President-elect von der Leyen held, over the past weeks, with each of the persons suggested by the Member States as candidates for Commissioner.
In light of the recent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, following Stena Impero’s seizure, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) and the Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA) jointly urge immediate action by the international community to stop the escalation of tensions and fully respect international law.
The Panama Canal Authority is carrying out a public consultation regarding a proposal to adjust the Panama Canal tolls for container ships, vehicle carriers, dry bulk carriers, tankers, chemical carriers, LPG and LNG vessels, passenger vessels and small vessels. The new toll charges are expected to apply from January 1, 2020.
The ECSA delegation met with the EU NAVFOR’s team to discuss the current state of piracy off the coast of Somalia, also visiting the naval assets participating in Operation Atalanta. EU NAVFOR is committed to deter, prevent, and suppress piracy and also highlight that the Maritime Industry must continue to adhere to BMP measures in order to maximize the safety of the ships and crews whilst transiting the high-risk area.
A new survey from the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) presents that internet access for seafarers for personal use on board ships is more widespread and available than previously imagined. In addition, the survey shows the positive benefits related with this access, which outweigh the feared safety concerns regarding the technology.
A delegation from the ICS, the Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA) and the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) has, at the World Trade Organization in Geneva, raised concerns regarding recent increases in protectionist measures. The associations presented two position papers to the WTO, to highlight the importance of the shipping sector fully committing to the preservation and promotion of free trade policies and principles around the world.
ECSA launched a report of its fact-finding mission to o India’s ship-recycling facilities in Alang, in the State of Gujarat that took place from 25-27 February. The aim of the mission was to gain a better understanding of the possible threats to and opportunities for the Indian ship-recycling and European shipping industries.
