Today’s Europe is a far different place than it was in 1977, when Unifeeder started. The opening up of the Baltic States and Eastern Europe, the westernisation of Russia, EU expansion, globalisation . . . these developments have created enormous challenges for the shipping industry.
As Unifeeder prepares for the challenges – and opportunities – that lie ahead, it does so recognising that the future will be shaped by several important factors:
Economic Development
Commercial ties and trade continue to grow throughout Europe. Imports to Russia via the Finnish ports and the Baltic States, as well as directly to St. Petersburg, for example, are increasing at a rate of more than 20% annually. And the volume of transhipment cargo to and from Northern Europe’s transhipment ports is increasing annually by approximately 15%. Between 1991 and 2002 alone, European shortsea and shortsea transhipment volumes increased from 3 million to 6 million TEUs. In 2003 and 2004 as well, registered growth in container volumes was enormous.
Expectations for future growth in Unifeeder’s operating area are great, and studies forecast more than a twofold increase in volumes from 2005 to 2015.
Unifeeder is constantly reviewing and adapting its operations in light of these developments. The company has increased capacity of tonnage with vessels up to 900 TEUs, and the fleet will continue to increase as regards number of vessels and capacity. In 2005 alone, Unifeeder took delivery of 5 new-buildings, added new ports of call and implemented a sophisticated IT system that automates the paperwork associated with fleet operations. Such proactive activities will continue.
Political and Environmental issues
The future will also be affected by legislation and by national and European-wide transport regulations. Inter-European transport requirements are growing rapidly, and regulatory authorities will continue to be charged not only with facilitating that growth, but also with avoiding road congestion, unacceptable noise levels, pollution and accidents – a challenge best met at sea.
Unifeeder is in favour of the new rules for the consumption of low-sulphur fuel oil at sea and in port (Marpol Annex VI). The company is committed to significantly reducing pollution, even though it will involve increased costs.
A shift to an increasingly sea-based transportation system will be further stimulated by the introduction of toll roads, which will increase the demand for intermodal door-to-door services that substitute ships for trucks wherever practical.
Obviously, Unifeeder actively supports the modal shift from road to sea. With Northern Europe’s largest feeder network, Unifeeder welcomes developments that rightly acknowledge the environmental advantages of seaborne transportation.
Beyond merely meeting legislative requirements, Unifeeder actively seeks opportunities to lessen the impact of its own fleet on the environment through a stringent environmental policy. All vessels must live up to the highest standards and strengthen the shipping industry’s goal of continuing to be the most environmentally friendly method of transportation.
