European shipowners hold a 34.5% share of the global fleet. They ensure energy and food security.
Fot. GospodarkaMorska.pl
European shipowners entered 2026 boldly, but with many unknowns. The first quarter proved to be a major shock for many. It is certain that nearly 35% of the global fleet is owned by European shipowners. They largely ensure the energy and food security of European Union countries, according to the latest report by the European Shipowners Association (ECSA).
The economic security and trade of European countries depend more than ever on efficient and uninterrupted shipping and the capacity of seaports. Industrial production logistics and the retail market cannot exist without efficient maritime transport and the efficient operation of container and bulk terminals, as well as fuel and gas transshipment. Products of the highest technical complexity and energy resources essential to the functioning of economies reach Europe’s maritime routes.
The European Shipowners’ Association published a report shortly before the European Parliament debates on the strategic role of European shipping for Europe’s security and competitiveness. European shipowners publish a study on the economic importance of European shipping in a synthetic but transparent study entitled “The economic value of European shipping (2026 update)”.
European shipowners’ share in maritime transport segments. Source: ECSA
Statistical analyses show that maritime transport is not only crucial to the EU economy, but shipping under the control of European operators constitutes a significant geopolitical asset for Europe. Owning a fleet is not only an important part of many countries’ business. Vessels managed by European shipowners and operators facilitate the functioning of economies. In many cases, exports and imports of goods, food, and energy enable the functioning of industrial and retail markets.
Statistical analysis shows that European shipping’s share of the global fleet has reached 34.5%. This share is growing steadily year on year. The fleet increased by 2.6% in 2025, representing the highest year-on-year growth in the last five years, as highlighted in “The economic value of European shipping (2026 update).” Unfortunately, this pace does not match the investments in fleet development by global competitors.
“Although the EU generates around 15% of global GDP, the European shipping fleet is one of the largest in the world, accounting for around 34.5% of the world fleet in terms of global tonnage across all segments. European shipping controls 28% of the world’s bulk carriers, 45% of container ships, 34% of tankers, and 32% of LNG carriers, making it a leading force in global trade,” the report highlights.
The European fleet ensures the security of logistics chains. Source: ECSA
ECSA notes that “while European shipping remains the driving force of global supply chains, and the European fleet is growing, the fleets of other countries are growing faster.” European shipowners continue to face competitive pressure in virtually all market segments. Therefore, ECSA states that “The fierce competition that European shipping faces globally makes international regulations and a level playing field more necessary than ever.”
European shipowners are committed to sustainability and are constantly experimenting with new ship propulsion solutions. These investments are intended to position many European operators as leaders in the energy transition. Leading European operators lead the global order book for ships powered by environmentally friendly fuels. They also excel in the use of rotors and sails to support traditional ship propulsion systems.
European shipowners are leading the race and the energy transition, forcing ports to invest in infrastructure to power ships with clean energy from shore. Ports must also develop additional infrastructure to enable the bunkering of alternative fuels.
Port authorities are under intense pressure as European shipowners invest significantly in ships powered by alternative fuels. Ships with engines capable of using clean fuels account for 44% of the global order book.
The European fleet is dominated by small shipowners. Source: ECSA
However, 54% of European shipowners’ order books are designed to operate on sustainable fuels, the report emphasizes. However, shipowners are outpacing the overall development of production and distribution infrastructure. It warns that “This level of investment is not keeping pace with the availability of sustainable fuels.” As a result, “Europe is lagging behind in terms of fuel availability.” ECSA warns that “Europe is lagging behind in terms of fuel production.” Asia leads the way with 74% of fuel production projects.
– Currently, fuel production in Europe is lagging behind Asia, where only 10% of sustainable fuels are available on the continent. Investing in fuel availability is not only crucial for the energy transition of shipping, but also a matter of energy security for Europe,” said Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General of the European Shipowners Association (ECSA).
The economic effects of introducing fuel taxes are impressive. Today, the merchant fleet generates €9 billion annually in ETS revenues. ECSA emphasizes that “Investing this money in the production of clean marine fuels in Europe is not only crucial for the energy transition, but also a matter of energy security.”
The leadership of European Shipowners believes that open trade is the foundation of Europe’s competitiveness,” which partially contradicts the widespread perception that the EU has become heavily dependent on Chinese technologies and components using rare earth elements. We remain dependent on energy supplies from the United States and Russia.
Maritime shipments ensure that important industrial and consumer goods, gas and crude oil, as well as refined and chemical products, reach the European market through ports. 76% of the EU’s foreign trade is carried by sea. Market analysis clearly indicates that “Europe is significantly more trade-oriented than the United States or China and continues to build strong trading partnerships worldwide.” ECSA believes that this is why shipping is a strategic asset for Europe.
While large shipowners attract widespread attention, statistics show that “the European fleet is managed by internationally competitive SMEs.” 90% of European companies have fewer than 10 vessels. It is believed that “The strength of European shipping is its diversity.”
The European fleet ensures energy and food security. Source: ECSA
European shipowners own fleets of bulk carriers and container ships, as well as gas and oil carriers. European operators operate offshore fleets and passenger ships. The report emphasizes that “European shipping transports everything Europe needs.”
European shipowners face external and internal challenges. Geopolitical turmoil exacerbates fleet management difficulties related to intense competition from foreign operators. European shipping companies face the same problems as other EU market participants.
The number of Europeans on European ships is decreasing. This is also a sign of the times and an organizational challenge. Overregulation and administrative restrictions do not facilitate the management of ships and crews. It is therefore not surprising that many shipowners are diversifying their services and supporting maritime transport with logistics. Many are developing new businesses, such as trade or property management.