As responsible parties in the supply chain WSC members are taking dedicated actions to:

• Detect and combat illicit trafficking of drugs, wildlife products, timber, waste, pest contamination and other items harmful to societies and the environment.

• Develop safety programs for the accurate declaration and secure stowage of hazardous goods, aimed at protecting crew and preventing maritime pollution and logistics chain accidents. We are also leading efforts to bring the loss of containers to as close to zero as possible.

• Navigate geopolitical risks and supply chain disturbances with resilience, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of trade amid global disruptions and conflicts.

In the new legislative period, the EU has a significant opportunity to lead in bolstering safe and secure supply chains while facilitating legitimate trade. We call for the following:

Enhance partnership via the EU Ports Alliance against drug trafficking, leveraging carriers’ intelligence and technological capabilities for greater impact. WSC member lines have long been mobilised and are deploying different strategies to combat this common menace globally. With drug trafficking increasing through EU seaports, it's critical for the new Commission to maximise this partnership’s impact, moving from commitments to tangible actions that safeguard citizens and trade.

Adapt and respond to new geopolitical risks. Recent geopolitical shocks have impacted maritime supply chains and threatened key trade routes. The liner shipping industry's resilience and flexibility through recent global challenges underscores the importance of adaptability and preparedness. WSC seeks a deeper collaboration with the EU, to enhance our collective response to future geopolitical risks, ensuring the safety of seafarers and the continuity of essential maritime commerce.

Improve sanctions compliance through collaboration, focusing on the practical challenges of enforcing product-specific restrictions and the necessity of targeted and effective compliance measures. WSC members are committed to achieving sanctions compliance. A closer cooperation with the Commission is essential for an efficient compliance process, maintaining the integrity and security of maritime supply chains.