Transport Week 2015 with green shipping in focus
The 5th edition of Transport Week, one of the most important transport events in Central and Eastern Europe, took place on March 17-19th 2015 in Gdańsk, Poland.
European container market, advances in transport infrastructure and environmental challenges in shipping were the three main issues brought up at Transport Week 2015. This year’s thematic scope has been broadened by topics referring to the current situation in Russia which has had indeed a real impact on European ports turnover not only due to the war in Ukraine, but also the depreciation of rouble and increase of freight costs resulting in the overall decrease of Russian imports.
Second day of the Transport Week concentrated on changing dynamics of European transportation and trade. It was emphasized, that the growth tempo of CEE countries is about to boost by 2019, while maritime sector does not seem to grow or decline dramatically.
First implications of sulphur limit regulations within the SECA, due to the Sulphur Directive which came into force on 1st January, 2015 were also discussed. Since the current fuel prices have remained low, the new requirements have not affected shipowners so much giving them time to make the right investment decisions.
During the event the Baltic Trendsetters Club Certificates were awarded to those who drive the Baltic Sea region in the constructive way by undertaking bold actions which have long-standing effects on the transport & logistics industry. Lithuania’s LNG terminal Independence, Rail Baltica joint venture, Umeå and Vaasa ports united into Kvarken Ports, Port of Gdynia Authority, DFDS Seaways and Finnlines were among awarded ones – the latter two companies for their extensive programme of investments in retrofitting their ships with scrubbers, with many of these installations performed at Remontowa Shiprepair Yard SA in Gdansk.
Third, last day of the Transport Week 2015 focused on two parallel conferences: Advances in transportation technology – Innovation/Clean Shipping/LNG and Clean Air in Ports. A panel dedicated to European transport system efficiency and competitiveness was followed by a workshop on Infrastructure for LNG bunkering in Europe. In line with the above themes, i.e. reduction of SOx emissions either by using scrubbers or implementing LNG propulsion, the technical visit organized during Transport Week 2015 fitted perfectly.
The study tour covered Gdansk Shiprepair Yard Remontowa SA and Remontowa Shipbuilding SA. The first one is among the pioneers and market leaders in scrubbers retrofitting, while the other one is one of the world leaders in building LNG fueled ships, especially ferries. The attendees of the study tour were hosted by the representatives of the management of Remontowa Holding and both shipyards, who gave presentations of the most interesting projects and guided guests through both yards.
