The European Shipowners' Association expressed its appreciation for the content of Mario Draghi's report on competitiveness of the European economy, which was published today, as a - explained the European Shipowners' Community Associations (ECSA) - "recognizes global leadership in maritime transport and recognises that a regulatory and tax framework that is appropriate for the has ensured that the sector has remained competitive at the global".

A recognition of the role of shipping that in the relationship seems to be emphasized mostly by emphasizing the effects on the competitiveness of the European economy of the Reduction of the global weight of the transport sector maritime of the European Union: "the share of the European Union's fleet EU-owned maritime partnership - reads the ratio - is declining. The global fleet share of ownership of EU companies is shrinking despite the supported by the State aid guidelines for the maritime transport has been crucial for the industry became a world leader. The shipping sector - notes Draghi's report - is highly mobile and the related assets, considered both as assets and as companies taxable amounts, can move from one country to another within a period of a few weeks. A number of third countries (e.g. the United Kingdom of the United Kingdom) in Asia, the Middle East and North America) - notes the - offer advantageous conditions for companies. To For example, China offers leasing of interest to shipowners, while EU commercial banks have slowed their support due to strict prudential requirements'. A scenario - observes Again the relationship - which also characterizes the port sector "despite the EU's strength in global logistics - it is explained - only one European operator is among the top five global companies that operate port terminals. Today, operators Asians and Middle Easterners dominate this activity and award concessions all over the world".

ECSA also highlighted that the report recognises that the maritime transport, together with air transport, are the most difficult to decarbonise and that the necessary investments for the decarbonisation of maritime transport alone will be 39 billion euros per year between 2031 and 2050, while for the air transport will amount to 61 billion euros in the same period per year. Noting how the ratio sets as the main objective for the decarbonisation of these sectors, increasing the production of clean fuels and the development of clean technologies and innovative in Europe, the shipowners' association underlined whereas in this regard the report identifies the need for a adequate access to funding, including specific calls for funding maritime transport under the ETS Innovation Fund.

"The Draghi report - said the Secretary General of ECSA, Sotiris Raptis - clearly recognises the leadership role global maritime transport system and the need for maintain its international competitiveness. Shipping European is a success story and is a pillar energy security, food security and the supply chain supply of our continent. In these times of geopolitical uncertainty, it is crucial for Europe to maintain and to grow the EU-managed fleet, which ensures the Europe's position in global supply chains and access to major international markets. A sector of the internationally competitive shipping is also a prerequisite for a thriving European maritime industrial cluster, which must be part of the EU's next Clean Industrial Deal. It is It is essential - concluded Raptis - to concentrate investments in the European industrial capacity for clean fuels and innovative technologies for navigation in order to achieve the climate objectives and improve the competitiveness and European security".