Like the European shipowners' association, the World Shipping Council (WSC), the association representing the main global container shipping companies, appreciated the Strategies for the maritime industry and ports proposed by the European Commission ( of 4 March 2026). Among the measures and actions announced, the WSC particularly welcomed the strong emphasis on combating organised crime and door protection by supporting partnerships and two-way sharing of information between authorities, shipping companies and other industry partners. "Ports and supply chains - noted the president and CEO of the WSC, Joe Kramek - they are only as sure as their weakest link. Without a strong public-private partnership and coherent implementation in all Member States, criminal activity will shift simply elsewhere. Recent events have once again recalled that Europe's maritime and trade resilience is extends far beyond its shores. Strategies rightly recognize the importance of ensuring safe passage along the main roads maritime routes to keep trade moving".

In addition, the WSC appreciated the support for decarbonization maritime in both strategies presented yesterday. «The commitment towards a global measure through the International Maritime Organization - Kramek noted - is essential and support action to review EU measures to avoid double payments". For the WSC it is also positive The focus of the port strategy is on the availability of of renewable marine fuels, to an approach based on the availability of different types of fuels and the acceleration of the implementation of facilities in ports to provide shore-side electricity to ships. 'The transport of liner shipping - Kramek pointed out - has invested over 125 billion euros in more than 1,100 dual-fuel ships delivered or ordered. Port infrastructure must be up to the investments in the fleet, the supply of fuels and electrification".

According to the WSC, recognition in the strategy maritime industrial of the need to simplify the ETS Emissions Trading System requirements EU Maritime Regulation and the FuelEU Maritime Regulation is very appreciable.

However, the World Shipping Council has also identified weaknesses in the two strategies which, according to the association, are not sufficiently attentive to the simplification of trade to support the EU's competitiveness agenda. "Liner maritime transport services - explained the WSC - around €2.5 trillion in trade every year EU trade unions, yet ships can still be required to submit up to 1,200 pieces of information for a single port calls, many of which are imposed by national requirements. The full implementation of the EU Maritime Single Window, scheduled for last August, could save about 2.2-2.5 million hours of work per year. Maritime trade - the association noted - still clashes with customs barriers at the external borders, making trade trade within Europe more difficult than the necessary". "In a true single market - he underlined Kramek - the transport of goods by ship within Europe It should be as smooth as road transport. Reduce customs barriers and intra-EU administrative burdens would be one of the most important faster ways to strengthen competitiveness and we would welcome clearer action in this area. field".