Mission Statement

The aims of the ECC are twofold. Firstly, to promote the interests of cruise operators with the EU Institutions in all matters of shipping policy and ship operations. Secondly, to promote cruising by the European public and encourage expansion of the European cruise market.

To that end the ECC will:

ENCOURAGE high standards of operation and the provision of high quality and efficient shipping services.

STRIVE for a EU regulatory environment that supports safe shipping operations and protection of the environment, and that recognises the international dimension of the sector and the role played by IMO/ILO in particular.

WORK for a EU regulatory environment that will foster the continued growth of the cruise sector in Europe.

RAISE the profile of the cruise sector with the EU Institutions in relation to its economic and social contribution to Europe.

PROMOTE cruising with the general public and the travel trade as a reliable, affordable and enjoyable holiday experience.

COOPERATE with the EU institutions and non-governmental organisations in the pursuit of these objectives.

ANTICIPATE whenever possible and respond wherever appropriate to policies and actions which conflict with the above.

Organisation and Structure

To operate in the most effective manner, the ECC represents the combined strenghts of the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) and the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA), the UK based trade association for cruise and ferry companies.

  • Role of ECSA: to keep members informed of regulatory/political developments relevant to the sector and promote/defend their interests in that context. Promote importance of the cruise industry within EU bodies on the basis of PSA data.
  • Role of PSA: To promote awareness and performance of EU cruise sector. This to include eg compilation of statistics (EU and national), marketing and promotion of EU cruise industry plus related issues as they arise. In the first year of the Council much effort will be needed to promote the organisation and the recruitment of new members.

The ECC Secretary is Tim Marking, ESCa :
The ECC Marketing Director: William Gibbons