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Study: The Economic value of European shipping

ECSA — 2026-05-05

Maritime and Ports

European shipping key for Europe’s security with 34.5% of global fleet, study finds
Ahead of an event at the European Parliament on the strategic role of European Shipping to Europe’s security and competitiveness, European Shipowners release today a study on the economic value of European shipping.

European shipping represents a geopolitical asset for Europe facilitating the export and import of goods, food and energy, the study finds.

While the EU represents around 15% of the global GDP, the European shipping fleet is one of the largest in the world, representing 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.

Main findings of the study

European Shipping’s share of the global fleet

European shipping represents 34.5% of the global fleet, and the European fleet is growing every year. The fleet grew by 2.6% in 2025, the highest year-on-year increase in the past five years.
While European shipping remains a powerhouse in the global supply chains and the European fleet is growing, the fleets of other countries are growing faster.
The harsh competition European shipping faces globally makes international regulations and a level playing field more necessary than ever.

European shipowners lead the global orderbook for sustainable fuel-powered ships

European shipping is leading the race for the energy transition. European shipowners are investing significantly in sustainable fuel-powered ships, representing 44% of the global orderbook.
Within the European orderbook, 54% of ships are designed to operate on sustainable fuels.
This level of investment is not matched by availability of sustainable fuels.

Europe falling behind in fuel availability

European shipping leads the global orderbook of sustainable fuel-powered ships. But where are the fuels?
Europe is falling behind on fuel production – Asia leads with 74% of fuel production projects, while Europe accounts for just 10%.
Shipping contributes EUR 9 billion a year in ETS revenues. Investing this money in the production of clean shipping fuels in Europe is not only key for the energy transition but a matter of energy security.

Open trade, a cornerstone of Europe’s competitiveness

Global, open trade is a cornerstone of Europe’s competitiveness. Europe is much more trade-oriented than the US or China and continues to build strong trade partnerships across the world.
76% of the EU’s external trade comes by sea.
Ships carry the food we eat, the energy we need, the raw materials for the energy transition, and the goods we use in our daily lives. That’s why European shipping is a strategic asset for Europe.

Diverse segments

The European fleet is run by SMEs competing on the global stage. 90% of European companies control fewer than 10 ships.
The strength of European shipping is in its diversity. From bulk carriers and container ships to energy carriers, offshore vessels, and passenger ships, European shipping carries everything Europe needs.
This diverse fleet delivers energy products, food, raw materials and consumer goods, helps build Europe’s renewable energy infrastructure, and keeps Europe connected.

“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. Once a global regulatory framework is agreed at IMO, we need to withdraw existing regional measures.

As long as shipping is subject to the EU climate legislation, it is essential to invest the 9 billion Euro paid by shipping companies to the EU ETS to support production and availability of clean fuels for shipping in Europe.

Currently, fuel production in Europe is losing ground to Asia, with only 10% of sustainable fuels available in the continent.

Investing in fuel availability is not only key for the energy transition of shipping, but it is a matter of energy security for Europe” said Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General of European Shipowners | ECSA.