RBSA Position Paper: “EU’s maritime pollution prevention efforts should never lead to unjust criminalisation”
The recent review of the regulations pertaining to pollution prevention in the shipping industry, including the Ship-Source Pollution Directive, the Ship Recycling Regulation, and the Environmental Liability Directive is coming under the scrutiny of the shipping industry within and outside Europe. Whilst these directives firmlyRead More…
Belgian shipowners applaud new UN High Seas Treaty and support Belgium’s bid for new BBNJ Secretariat
After decades of intense negotiations, the UN finalised on Saturday the international treaty for the protection of high seas biodiversity. Belgian shipowners applaud the historic move and congratulate the Belgian government’s active role in the development and finalisation of the agreement. “Belgian shipping represents aRead More…
The Heightened Need to Fight Piracy amidst the current Energy Crisis and War in Ukraine
Exactly a year ago, Russia invaded Ukraine. This major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War plunged Europe and the rest of the world into an energy and food crisis. This invasion surprised many who thought that armed conflicts of this degree would nowadays not be possible on EuropeanRead More…
Euronav: A Unique Approach
The following interview was published in Seatalk (6th Edition, 2022). SeaTalk had an interview with Rudi Vander Eyken, Head of IT and Innovation at tanker shipping company Euronav, a company that he describes as “young, dynamic and fast-growing”. Rudi has been working in the maritimeRead More…
Season’s Greetings from the Future of Belgian Shipping
With the year coming to an end, the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association and its member companies would like to send you our sincerest greetings for the coming year. “In 2022, despite the many challenges brought about the invasion of Ukraine, the continued disruptions of theRead More…
MEPC 79: Belgium and Namibia join forces in green hydrogen production to hasten shipping decarbonisation
At the joint event today at the International Maritime Organisation, representatives from Belgium, Namibia and the Belgian shipping sector presented the green hydrogen project. The event was held on the occasion of the 79th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). On behalf bothRead More…
From Shipping Agent to Shipowner
The following interview was published in Seatalk (5th Edition, 2022). Vincent and Pierre Durot are two brothers at the helm of Antwerp-based shipping company Boeckmans. They are the fourth generation in this family business that was founded in 1935, and has grown into one ofRead More…
Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association launches “Economic Impact Study on the Belgian shipping cluster”
On the occasion of the World Maritime Day, the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association (RBSA) launches the latest update of its study that examines the economic importance of shipping to Belgium. Using key economic figures up until 2020, this 7th edition of the “Economic Impact StudyRead More…
Maritime Lady Helga Van Noten
The following interview was published in Seatalk (4th Edition, 2022). Helga Van Noten used to stay regularly with her grandparents, in a flat on the Scheldt quays. The ships stirred the little girl’s curiosity. What is their destination, who are the people on board…? NoRead More…
Zero-Emission Shipping is An Opportunity
The following interview was published in Seatalk (3rd Edition, 2022). SeaTalk visited Wilfried Lemmens, director of the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association (KBRV – Koninklijke Belgische Redersvereniging), just as Putin invaded Ukraine. Because so many Ukrainians work on board Belgian ships, the phone was ringing offRead More…
#SeaYou at the Tall Ships Races in Antwerp, 22-24 July
The Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association, the Antwerp Maritime Academy and CMB.TECH cordially invites you to their activity tent during the Tall Ships Races in Antwerp from 22-24 July. What are the Tall Ships Races? More than 40 largest sailing ships in the world will gatherRead More…
#SeafarerJourney: Interview with Ukrainian seafarers
On this Day of the Seafarer, we’ve asked some of Ukrainian seafarers to share their stories with the world. Earlier in May, Belgian shipowners set up a shelter for Ukrainian seafarers who are unable to return home after their mission, to reunite with their familyRead More…
Belgian Shipowners Applaud Parliament’s Approval of the IMO HNS Convention
It was a huge victory for the environment today when the Belgian Federal Parliament voted for the implementation of the “International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea“. Known simply as the HNSRead More…
Shipping decarbonisation goal can be achieved with financial incentives like Contracts For Difference
At the closed-door public-private event yesterday co-organised by the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association and the Getting to Zero Coalition, participants discussed how the EU could drive shipping’s transition to zero emission in Europe and globally through a dedicated Ocean Fund, Contracts for Difference, and GreenRead More…
Will Shipping’s Zeal Seal the Green Deal?
A closed-door public-private discussion on the decarbonisation of shipping, followed by networking drinks. Tueday 31 May 2022 13:00 – 16:00 CEST Radisson RED, Brussels Guest Speakers Kasper Søgaard, Managing Director and Head of Institutional Strategy and Development, Global Maritime Forum (Moderator) Wilfried Lemmens, Managing Director, RoyalRead More…
Belgian Shipping features daily nominee to celebrate first International Day of Women in Maritime
To celebrate the first international day of women in maritime on 18 May as decided by the IMO last year, the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association has featured a woman nominee each day since 13 May also to mark the 10th anniversary of WISTA Belgium. “BothRead More…
Belgian shipowners reunite Ukrainian seafarers with their families
The Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association has opened a temporary shelter where Ukrainian seafarers can reunite with their families who are fleeing the war-torn country after it has been invaded by Russia. Located in Hoboken, south of the city of Antwerp, the empty office building wasRead More…
Shipowners’ associations stand behind EU sanction package
The Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association has signed a statement together with other leading shipowning associations condemning the attack on Ukraine: Statement signed by leading Shipping Associations: We, as leading shipping associations, condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s on-going war and invasion of the sovereign stateRead More…
Is the EU ‘Environmental Liability Directive’ effective against environmental damages caused by international shipping?
Elle De Soomer, Head of legal affairs, shipping policy & security at the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association takes a critical look at the EU Directive 2004/35/CE on Environmental Liability (ELD) regarding environmental damage from shipping accidents, which are exempt at this moment. While it canRead More…
Without Ukrainian and Russian Seafarers, Chaos Looms At Sea
After months of being trapped at sea due to the pandemic, the current war in Ukraine is holding hundreds of thousands of seafarers hostage from the global merchant fleet. There are indeed many seafarers of both Ukrainian and Russian nationalities working on board ships. ManyRead More…
EU Ship Recycling Rules Need “Major Surgery” Not A “Band-Aid”
The EU Ship Recycling Regulation needs “major surgery”, but the current proposals offer little more than a sticking plaster, says Gudrun Janssens Head of Environmental & Technical Affairs, Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association on the latest GMS Podcast. Ms Janssens believes the European Commission has “lostRead More…
The world’s only purpose-built charity hospital ship to set sail from Antwerp
After a six-month stay in the Port of Antwerp since 12 September, where she received the final outfitting of its medical and IT facilities, the Global Mercy – the world’s only purpose-built, civilian-funded charity hospital ship – will soon depart at the end of FebruaryRead More…
The Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association supports Ocean Fund proposal
Shipping is prepared to play its part in achieving the ambitious goals laid out in the European Green Deal. To do so, it needs effective policy instruments in place to simultaneously stimulate research and investments in alternative fuels and encourage emission reduction measures. To thisRead More…
Piracy has decreased in 2021 but the threat remains
According to the annual piracy report published recently by the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB), piracy and armed robbery at sea last year has reached an all-time low since 1994. But the threat remains. The report shows that in 2021, the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre recordedRead More…
Belgium begins booster vaccine campaign for seafarers
Following the inoculation of foreign and Belgian seafarers since June, Belgium is once again spearheading a booster vaccine campaign for these maritime workers starting 7 December. “The booster vaccine campaign is important because seafarers spend long days at sea in closed groups. A COVID-19 outbreakRead More…
Belgian shipowners fully support Belgium’s candidacy for IMO Council
Next week, the IMO Assembly from 6-15 December will vote for the members of the executive body of the UN organisation for maritime. Belgium is standing for re-election in the IMO Council in Category C (States with special interests in maritime transport or navigation). AsRead More…
Belgian shipping: MEPC 77 needs to deliver concrete actions
This week, as the 77th session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) takes place after an intensive discussion at the recent COP26 that led to the Glasgow Climate Pact, Belgian shipping reiterates how crucial it is for the MEPC 77 to deliver concreteRead More…
Webinar on alternative fuels in support of Belgian candidacy to IMO Council
With Belgium standing for re-election to the IMO Council in category C (special interests in maritime transport or navigation), Belgian shipowners voice their strong support for the country’s candidacy. As the beating heart of maritime Europe, Belgium is uniquely placed to connect both Europe andRead More…
Is the proposed FuelEU Maritime Regulation fit for purpose, or will it hamper shipping’s path to decarbonisation?
Last Saturday at the world’s largest gathering of shipping companies, regulators and policymakers at the ICS Conference on Shaping the Future of Shipping at COP26 in Glasgow, the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association joined in the discussions on how to move forward together in making sureRead More…
Waterborne Transport Innovation delivering on the European Green Deal
The Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association is part of the Waterborne Technology Platform, which welcomes the applicability of the EU Innovation fund to deploy highly innovative technologies that can bring significant emission reductions in the waterborne transport sector. On 26 October, the European Commission launched theRead More…
Interview with Catrien Scheers, Chairwoman of Fast Group
Below is an interview with Catrien Scheers, chairwoman of Belgian shipping company Fast Group, about her recent participation in the AGM of WISTA International in Hamburg. In the overwhelmingly male environment of shipping, Catrien has often been nicknamed ‘the leading lady of breakbulk’ for her well-knownRead More…
World Maritime Day: Belgian shipping looks back at milestones achieved
As a proud and long-established maritime nation, Belgium and its shipping industry have been spearheading many of the innovations and developments in recent years. This World Maritime Day, Belgian shipping looks back at some of the recent milestones achieved as Belgium presents its candidature toRead More…
Belgian shipping applauds the first European Maritime Transport Environmental Report
The Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association says the EMTER report provides a useful overview on the current status quo for the sector to move forward towards Europe’s carbon neutrality ambition. Launched on 1 September by the EEA and EMSA, the EMTER report acknowledges that maritime transportRead More…
Belgium now inoculates foreign seafarers via roving vaccination teams on board ships
Following the successful COVID-19 vaccination of Belgian seafarers that started on 2 June, Belgium is going boldly beyond by moving a level up with a proposal by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the North Sea, Mr Vincent van Quickenborne, the Royal Belgian Shipowners’Read More…
Belgian shipping honours seafarers
For 25 June, Day of the Seafarer, the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association has produced a series of interview videos to honour seafarers for the vital role that they play in sustaining the global supply chain.
New European Partnership commits the Waterborne Transport Sector to Zero Emissions by 2050
The Waterborne Technology Platform welcomes the Partnership as an opportunity to transform waterborne transport for the benefit of future generations.
Belgium is first EU country to start seafarer vaccination
Belgium has officially started its vaccination campaign for seafarers this morning in the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and the North Sea, Vincent Van Quickenborne.
BeHydro launches the first hydrogen-powered dual-fuel engine with a capacity of 1 megawatt (MW)
Over the past three years BeHydro has developed, produced and extensively tested a dual-fuel (diesel-hydrogen) engine with a capacity of 1 MW. Based on this technology, larger engines of up to 10 MW can also be produced. Therefore, BeHydro can provide solutions for a wideRead More…
The European shipping industry: a key enabler to offshore wind
20 May 2020 – Belgium is in the vanguard of wind energy development, having created much offshore wind turbine capacity in recent years. These high-tech, fast-evolving activities are a spin-off of our dredging industry. The Belgian hydraulic engineering industry also invests in another energy ofRead More…
Belgian Shipowners support EU Green Deal
May 2020 – During the Board meeting last week, the Belgian shipowners welcomed the EU Commission’s determination to proceed with the European Green Deal as planned. However, as these times are unprecedented, the Belgian Shipowners’ Association assumes that there might be some delay, because ofRead More…
All ships in port to sound their horns on 1 May
RBSA joins the International Chamber of Shipping in calling all member companies, shipowners, managers, port operators and any relevant national stakeholder to encourage ships captains to sound their horns when in port at 12h00 local time on 1 May 2020. The move is to celebrateRead More…
COVID-19 | Transport keeps us going
On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 a pandemic and governments worldwide have taken wide-ranging measures to contain the spread of the virus. The transport sector has a crucial role to play in the supply of goods, in particular medicines,Read More…
Belgian shipowners welcome approach to marine fuel inspections
Since 1 January 2020, ships are prohibited from using fuel containing more than 0.5% sulphur. The measure stems from new international regulations but will be much broader in Belgium. It is one of the action points in the Sustainable Shipping Plan that Minister De BackerRead More…
Belgium re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council with 133 votes
On 29 November, Belgium was successfully re-elected in Category C of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) during the 31st session of the IMO General Assembly held in London. Singapore placed first in Category C with 153 voices, Belgium is ranked 10th withRead More…
Belgian Shipowners delighted about the accession of India to the Hong Kong Convention
Today, India became the 15th Party State to the HKC, fulfilling at once one of the three criteria for the Convention’s entry into force. It is another significant step towards achieving more safe and environmentally sound ship recycling globally, as India is a major ship-recycling centre that canRead More…
Belgian Shipowners push EU to create the beating heart of Maritime Europe
Last Thursday, the Maritime Industry Decarbonisation Council (MIDC) and CMB were invited to enter into discussion with members of the EU parliament during an ECSA event, hosted by the Danish MEP Ms P Weiss. The managing director of the Royal Belgian Shipowners Association (RBSA), MrRead More…
European shipping industry calls for immediate and sustained action to ensure maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea
According to the ICC International Maritime Bureau’s 2018 Annual Report on Piracy and Armed Robbery against ships, the region evidenced continued levels of violence with 130 crew taken hostage and 78 kidnapped for ransom. Nigeria alone reported 41 crew kidnappings during the last three monthsRead More…
Belgian Shipowners present their vision on sustainability and energy transition of the sector at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York
At the Climate Action Summit at the United Nations that took place on 23 September in New York, Belgian North Sea Minister Philippe De Backer (Open Vld) led a meeting on the importance of oceans and the maritime economy in the fight against climate change.Read More…
Annual report 2018
The annual turnover of the Belgian merchant navy, including dredging and towage, amounts to € 8,140, with an added value of € 2,488 million. In terms of employment, our industry generates 16, 242 FTE. However, contributing to overall economic performance is by no means theRead More…
CMB wins the Port of Antwerp Sustainability Award
CMB has won the Port of Antwerp Sustainability Award. With this award the organisers of the contest wish to highlight sustainable initiatives undertaken by port users and stimulate sustainable economic practices. CMB received the award for their hydrogen powered passenger vessel, Hydroville. The Hydroville isRead More…
On course towards administrative simplification for shipping
RBSA welcomes the adoption of a General Approach on the proposal for a European Maritime Single Window environment by Transport Ministers yesterday. European co-legislators have been working intensively to reduce the administrative burden shipping faces. This burden stems from today’s unharmonised and inefficient reporting obligations andRead More…
RBSA satisfied with retention deadline stricter sulfur limit
“Attempts to mitigate the stricter sulfur limit and to postpone the deadline for implementation have failed. We are happy about that, “says Ludovic Laffineur, the sustainability specialist at the RBSA. This week, the Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) came upRead More…
RBSA on board of aircraft with sniffer sensor measuring emissions from ships
Wilfried Lemmens, Managing Director of RBSA, had the chance to fly aboard an aircraft equipped with a sniffer sensor to detect emissions from ships. The sniffer sensor is capable of measuring sulphur (SO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in the exhaust plumes from ships.The supply ofRead More…
MIDC paving the way to the most promising alternative fuels for shipping
The Maritime Industry Decarbonisation Council (MIDC) held a brainstorm session (engineers only :-)) hosted by the Belgian dreding company DEME. The main subjects of discussion were electrification, hybridization and alternative fuels for shippping. There was an intensive and fruitful debate on the pros and consRead More…
Belgium in the top as flag state
Just as in the latest inventories, Belgium scored the maximum points in the annual statement “Flag State Performance Table 2017/2018” by the International Shipping Federation International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) publishes. Only 10 flag States have achieved the best possible rating. Maritime safety, working conditions, environmentalRead More…
Economic Impact Study Belgian Shipping Cluster: Update 2017
Every three years, the RBSA updates the initial study from 2001 monitoring the maritime cluster and focusing on three subsectors, i.e. the merchant navy, towing and hydraulic engineering. The present edition also delves into the economic impact of the renewable energy sector.
Yemen conflict forces new security recommendations
In response to the threats arising from the conflict in Yemen, BIMCO, ICS and INTERTANKO have published interim guidance on maritime security in the southern Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb. Shipowners and operators should be aware of new threat patterns in the area.
Exmar wins a newbuilding contract for 79,500 m³ LPG Carriers
EXMAR has entered into an agreement with Statoil ASA from Norway on 2 environment-friendly Newbuilding 79,500 m³ gas carriers to transport LPG in a sustainable manner basis a long-term commitment. Both vessels are to be delivered within 2020 and will be compliant with the mostRead More…
Euronav and Gener8 announce merger agreement
Euronav and Gener8 announced that they have reached an agreement on a stock-for-stock merger for the entire issued and outstanding share capital of Gener8, which would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Euronav. The combined company will have a fleet of 75 crude tankers, including 44 VLCCsRead More…
Belgium has been re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organization
RBSA is very pleased that Belgium has been re-elected as a member of the IMO Council. Belgium is the world’s 17th largest register of shipping and has a tonnage controlled fleet of 23,5 billion TDW or 1.23% of the world total in 2017. Therefore itRead More…
Antwerp maritime group CMB pioneers environmentally friendly shipping: The Hydroville is hydrogen-powered
There was enormous interest in the official presentation of the Hydroville on November 30, at a traditional christening ceremony conducted by Bishop Johan Bonny, with Deputy Prime Minister Kris Peeters, Flemish Minister-President Geert Bourgeois and State Secretary Philippe De Backer in attendance. Somewhat less traditionalRead More…
The IMO Assembly welcomes the RBSA to present the Maritime Industry Decarbonisation Council
VISION The MIDC bridges the gap between shipowners, charterers, shippers, equipment suppliers, ship builders, the research community, banks, classification societies and oil majors to ensure the development of an evidence-based policy on GHGs. The platform will enable the sector to reduce its CO2 emissions inRead More…
Belgium establishes a partnership with the Marshall and Solomon Islands on the fight against climate change
The Secretary of State for the North Sea Philippe De Backer (Open Vld), together with the Marshall and Solomon Islands and the International Maritime Organization, fights against the global greenhouse gas emissions in navigation. “Everybody has to contribute to this fight against climate change. IRead More…
20 years for “Pirate King”
Mohamed Abdi Hassan, dubbed the Somali pirate king, has been sentenced to twenty years in prison in his absence. Mohamed Abdi Hassan has been convicted for his role in connection with the piracy on board of the Belgian ship Pompeï in 2009. Fellow Somalian MohamedRead More…
CO2 emissions reductions of the shipping – European Shipowners discussing the impact of improved machinery, propulsion, operation and design
In the European Shipowners’ seminar on CO2 reductions in the shipping industry one message was clear: in order to achieve CO2 reductions across the world merchant fleet, a combination of different measures is needed. “In the seminar this week, they discussed with stakeholders and EuropeanRead More…
Antwerp Maritime Academy participates in the prestigious Monaco Solar Boat Challenge
From the 13th until the 15th of July the Antwerp Maritime Academy will be participating in the prestigious Monaco Solar Boat Challenge. Since 2008 students and teachers from the Marine Engineering department of the Antwerp Maritime Academy (HZS) are working on the development of aRead More…
Joint industry launches latest industry guidelines on cyber security
The second edition of The Guidelines on Cyber Security Onboard Ships has been released. The latest practical advice has been compiled by the joint industry group, which is led by BIMCO and now includes new members OCIMF and IUMI, as well as the original contributorsRead More…
Annual Report 2016
2016 proved to be another challenging year for Belgian shipowners, faced with the sluggish growth of world trade, as well as a continuing unbalance between supply and demand in most shipping industry segments. Entrepreneurship and creativity are still very much required to ride out theseRead More…
A glimpse of our Annual General Meeting
On July 14th, the Royal Belgian Shipowners’Association hosted in accordance with traditional practice, a reception followed by a lunch on the occasion of the Annual General Meeting taking place in the Royal Belgian Yacht Club. This year, we had the honour to welcome Belgian MinisterRead More…
Belgian frigate Louise Marie joins Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean
On Sunday, the 18th of June, the Belgian frigate Louise-Marie has joined EUNAVFOR MED and she will continue to support the operations until the 22nd of July. This deployment is the third time the Belgian Navy provides an asset to support Operation Sophia. The commanding officerRead More…
The RBSA creates the ‘Maritime Industry Decarbonisation Council’: the first international think tank for carbon-free shipping
Decarbonisation is an issue that calls for urgent action: increased efficiency, technological innovation, access to finance, clear regulations are topics that should be tackled through a dedicated platform. In 2016 the RBSA took the initiative to set up a platform where all stakeholders involved can orient around steps in the decarbonisation pathway.