The European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA) has called for the elimination of regional maritime regulations within the European Union, suggesting that effective decarbonization of shipping can only be achieved through a unified international approach rather than piecemeal regional measures. This position was shared on ECSA's LinkedIn page and emphasizes the importance of a transitional European policy until a global solution is reached.

During a discussion at the Capital Link Forum held in Athens, ECSA President Mikki Koskinen highlighted that European shipping constitutes about 35% of the global fleet and is responsible for carrying 76% of the European Union's external trade. This underscores the critical role that European maritime transport plays in global supply chains and the urgency of establishing a cohesive international framework for decarbonization.

ECSA's push for a global agreement aligns with the broader goals of the maritime industry to combat climate change. The call for regional regulations to be set aside until international consensus is reached is significant, as it underscores the challenges and complexities of aligning various stakeholders' interests in a sector that is fundamentally tied to international trade and environmental sustainability.