Do we have a crisis or a major transformation?

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The European economy is moving somewhat slower, and the Ukraine war is putting a strain on public budgets and further development.
One reason for the sluggish economy is high interest rates and a sharp decline in construction activity, coupled with higher energy costs.
In our discussions with the leading minds in RoRo and ferry shipping, a clear picture emerged. Losses and declines were recorded in the Baltic Sea. There is an enormous sense of optimism around the UK and Ireland, growth, and stability in the Mediterranean. It is no wonder that the big shipping companies from the north are increasingly positioning themselves in the Mediterranean and starting new and established
companies continue to focus on the growing market.With the introduction of the EU Emission Trading System (ETS), shipping companies are preparing to order new ships that produce less or no emissions. Ferry shipping companies are preparing for further relocation effects from production sites in Eastern Europe to Turkey and North Africa. Thanks to the ETS, traffic can be shifted, and supply chain systems can be
controlled more from other European countries. That is why some shipping companies are already investing in new “green tonnage”. The strategies are clear for new tonnage, RoPax vessels are to be powered by methanol, RoRo by ammonia and on the short distances of less than one hour, operation with batteries can be successful, but only if the charging infrastructure can be set up and enough electricity is available
for short charging cycles. Nevertheless, the associations such as ICS (International Chamber of Shipping) and the IMO (International Maritime Organization) accuse the EU of the ETS system coming too early and too quickly, as there is not yet enough methanol or ammonia to refuel today. It will take some time until an infrastructure is in place. In the end, consumers will pay the additional costs for transport due to rising taxes and an unavailable green bunker. The new ships with ammonia ready engines have been ordered and this year the first orders for large RoPax ships with methanol ready propulsion systems will be triggered. The outlook and the activities of the ferry operators
remain optimistic. Read more about this in the current RoPax 2024.