The main aim of European Shipping Week (ESW) is to make European policy-makers aware of the value-added that shipping brings to Europe and its citizens, according to Patrick Verhoeven, Secretary General of the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA).

In an exclusive interview with media partner Hellenic Shipping News, Mr Verhoeven said the time was right to demonstrate what the shipping industry is about ‘now that we have both a new European Parliament and European Commission in office.’

He added: ‘At the same time it is a unique occasion to show in real terms the diverse range of operations that shipping delivers such as containers, bulk, general cargo, ferry, ro-ro, cruise and offshore, etc. This will be achieved through the main ESW Conference and related events and seminars as well as a series of on-site visits to the main seaports neighbouring Brussels.’

Support for ESW had been very positive so far, he said, with buy-in secured from legislators as well as the wider shipping industry.

‘We are very honoured to have received support from the European Parliament and the European Commission (DG Move) as well as from the European Maritime Safety Agency. Industry engagement is coming on nicely as well. Several top names from shipping companies have confirmed their attendance already, he added.

www.europeanshippingweek.com