» FOREWORD BY THE PRESIDENT
    Shipping is going through a difficult period. There has been a decline in trade exchanges, lower freight rates and charter rates, the uncertainty and uneasiness created by the 11 September events of last year and a general lack of confidence in the economy.

    The improvement everybody was hoping for at the beginning of 2002 has not yet taken place. It appears that the down cycle will be with us for a longer period.

    Being the backbone of European and worldwide trade, with more than 90 % of EU trade exchanges in volume being transported by sea, our industry is reacting to this situation through an ongoing rationalisation and a further improvement in efficiency and investment in the most modern equipment.

    European shipping controls about 41 % of the world fleet in GT. The average age of the EEA fleet now stands at 11.9 years and the fleet is represented in all sectors. The necessity for a structural competitive environment for European shipping is more valid than ever. The large majority of Member States now apply structural measures to create a level playing field for their national shipping industries versus world competition.

    Though the application of such measures is in most cases very recent, the first results are positive and encouraging. The decline of the sector, and of the employment in it, has been halted and a gradual increase can be noted. A durable and investment attractive regime, based on a confirmation of the 1997 Guidelines for shipping, is therefore essential.

    A healthy shipping sector is the core of the whole maritime cluster employing substantially more than 2 million people. The logistic services provided by maritime operators significantly contribute to the overall European transport sector which employs more than 10 million people.

    The present trade environment is a further reason for improving the overall supply chain in which shipping has a key role. This has been acknowledged by the EU Institutions.

    Intensive, justified and successful efforts to further enhance maritime safety during the last years culminated with the recent adoption of the two Erika packages. The ongoing dialogue between the industry and the EU Institutions has resulted in workable solutions which very largely take into account the global character of shipping and are aimed at the practical application of existing rules.

    Whilst the environment friendly character of shipping services is recognised, the shipping industry is continuously working on measures to further improve upon its environmental performance.

    The Commission and the other EU Institutions have now re-established the balance by concentrating on issues having a direct effect on the competitive position and the overall efficiency of maritime transport in a full logistic context.

    The approach has been very practical and realistic. The proposed Directive on market access to port services is not just another piece of legislation. Indeed the liberalisation of port services is a key contribution to the efforts for further increasing the efficiency of the transport chain and to optimise the use of maritime services.

    ECSA very much appreciates the efforts of Vice President Loyola de Palacio, her services and the Spanish Presidency to get the proposal successfully through the Council. ECSA relies on the European Parliament to have the Directive approved soonest and applied.

    An early approval of the Directive is also fundamental for the promotion of short sea shipping that has been continuously high on the agenda during the last year, as confirmed by the conclusions of the June Council of Transport Ministers. It is appreciated that the important role of short sea shipping in European transport strategy has been confirmed. The priority action points as stressed by the Council support the ongoing action of further improving the efficiency of this environment friendly mode and of further increasing its market share, currently at more than 42 %. The many investments in new vessels and equipment made over the last years and the practical work of the Short Sea Promotion Centres will also contribute to the development of short sea shipping.

    Shipping being a de facto global business serving all continents underlines the necessity of an active external relations policy. The shipping industry very much appreciates that an agreement was reached between the EU and China on a bilateral maritime agreement. ECSA hopes that this active policy will be continued through a bilateral agreement with India, as well as though ad hoc approaches on difficulties experienced in third countries. The further process in WTO, particularly the discussions on services, including maritime, are also closely followed by ECSA. An appropriate multilateral agreement is a cornerstone for international trade including services.

    Security measures on vessels and in ports have received increased attention following September 11. The work programme in IMO has the full support of the shipping industry. It is evident that security measures must be dealt with in the first place on an international basis and that regional measures should be avoided. The shipping industry is fully prepared to contribute in the further enhancement of security measures in the whole maritime chain, involving the cargo, the vessel, ports and the people involved in it. Responsibilities should, however, fall where they lie. Confrontation between the main trading entities on this important issue should also be avoided. An ongoing dialogue should lead to globally acceptable and workable solutions.

    Especially in difficult times, dialogue and co-operation between all parties involved is a must. ECSA therefore looks forward to an even more intensive co-operation with the EU institutions and all industry parties.


    Emanuele Grimaldi