A study by the European Shipowners on Tuesday revealed that the European fleet has reached its highest year-on-year growth in 2025, and acknowledged being behind on fuel production projects.
The European fleet had a record-high bump at 2.5 per cent, as the region’s shipping continues to contribute 34.5 per cent of the world’s fleet.
The study was released on Tuesday by the European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA), ahead of a key event at the European Parliament.
The parliament will be discussing the region’s role in shipping and its contribution to security and competency.
A shipping powerhouse in cutthroat competition
Europe has been a powerhouse in the shipping industry. It has one of the largest fleets worldwide, covering the world’s 45 per cent of container ships, 34 per cent of tankers, 32 per cent of liquefied natural gas carriers and 28 per cent of bulk carriers.
However, the powerhouse recognises the cutthroat competition and vast development of other countries.
With just 10 per cent of fuel production projects, Europe is lagging behind Asia with 74 per cent.
Moreover, 44 per cent of the global orderbook for ships running in clean fuel is from European shipowners.
However, the ratio of European orderbook on clean fuel ships is not proportional to the supply of the said fuel.
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Staying competitive
“The European fleet is growing steadily, but other fleets are growing faster. This shows the harsh competition European shipping is facing. To stay competitive at a global level, we need an international level playing field,” said European Shipowners Secretary General Sotiris Raptis, according to ECSA’s press release.
As shipping earns EUR9 billion a year in Emissions Trading System revenues, ECSA noted that investing the money in Europe’s clean shipping fuel production can benefit both the region’s energy transition and energy security.
The report also highlighted the strength of European shipping, which is its diversity.
Europe’s needs are transported by its shipping; through bulk carriers, container ships, energy carriers, offshore boats and passenger ships.
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John Christopher Aquino 
Simon Wilkes 
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