The European Commissioner-designate for Transport and Tourism sustainable developments, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, will play a role in essential in securing supply chains and decarbonising the maritime transport sector'. This was highlighted by the World Shipping Council (WSC), the association representing the main global shipping companies in the transport sector containerized. In its hearing in the European Parliament ( of 5 November 2024), last night Tzitzikostas, referring to the decarbonisation of maritime transport and air transport, has stated that during its mandate it will support the production and accessibility to the clean fuels needed for the energy transition of these activities. A purpose shared by the WSC, according to which "the decarbonisation of transport networks and the improvement of energy networks must go hand in hand. Continuing to improve transport networks energy and energy standards - the association underlined - will improve the EU's competitive position and support the transition towards decarbonization. Low-speed transport networks greenhouse gas emissions - the WSC noted - depend on grids fully integrated renewable energy sources, in order to ensure a substantial supply of green marine fuels and for prevent future disruptions to services."

"We are confident - said the president today and managing director of the World Shipping Council, Joe Kramek - who Commissioner-designate Tzitzikostas will be instrumental in the coordinating transport, energy and industry in order to promote maritime transport tenable. We appreciate our good working relationship with DG Move and we are delighted to be working with the new Commissioner to promoting our common goals for the benefit of the industry and of the EU economy in a more general sense'.

With a view to a future collaboration, the association highlighted some critical issues concerning shipping and which should be addressed by the future European Commission. In particular, in its hearing, the European Commissioner-designate did not mention some critical issues which, according to the WSC, should be included among the priorities mandate, namely the protection of maritime transport from trafficking and geopolitical risks, the integration of renewable energy in transport systems, simplification customs and administrative procedures and the promotion of effective public-private partnerships.