Removal of barriers

The Danish Shipowners’ Association constantly seeks to prevent protectionism and discrimination in the maritime sector, nationally as well as internationally. This work is carried out in collaboration with Danish authorities, i.e. the Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs Denmark, and the Danish Foreign Ministry. 

EU understanding of shipping

During the past decades, the EU has exhibited an increasing understanding of the shipping industry’s exceptional global nature and the need for international solutions. It has been acknowledged that shipping is a global industry which does not fit into the framework of the Single European Market. From a shipping-related political perspective, this has led to the EU opening markets and preventing the introduction of market-restrictive measures. However, it is still important to maintain focus on this area.  

The WTO

The Danish Shipowners’ Association supports the efforts of the WTO (World Trade Organization) to reach an agreement on maritime services, however, it is important that the agreement leads to actual and substantial liberalisation. All significant trading nations must therefore be parties to an agreement.

The Government’s new proactive and strategic trading policy will support WTO’s long-term work with liberalisation, while free-trade and investment agreements can be made via the EU on a unilateral and regional basis with other economies. Despite the WTO’s obstacles and break-downs in negotiations, the shipping industry is aware of the need for liberalisation and is therefore closely monitoring new protectionist behaviour caused by the break-downs. 

International organisations

Moreover, the Danish Shipowners’ Association is working with national shipping associations, international organisations such as the OECD and the ICC, as well as a large number of international shipping organisations such as the ICS and ECSA to liberalise markets and restrain protectionism and trade-depriving legislation.