Dear Readers,
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Fall forces us to prepare for its chilly days and gloomy aura. Perhaps at present it corresponds
well with the condition of the European and global economies, which are still lacking
colours. This is a matter of concern for the whole transport sector in our region, but perhaps
shipping is the mode which stands on the most unstable ground, since due to the upcoming
new SECA regulations, it will very soon face increased fuel and logistics costs as well as a vast need
for large investments into low-emission technology and infrastructure. In this issue we bring to your
attention the picture of a possible future of the BSR’s shipping industry after 2015. More and more
voices share a fear of the negative impact of the new IMO rules on the region’s short sea shipping, its
competitiveness as well as on the European logistics chain’s patterns. As always, there will be winners
and losers in this situation, but for now it seems to tip the scales in favour of land transport. At the
moment, however, feeder shipping on the Baltic is stronger than ever. Read our report on the BSR’s
containerization, to learn more, find out about the current trends visible on the market and see the
whole Baltic Sea container network in the magazine, on the map and CD, and remember we very
much welcome your feedback. We have a plateful of information here for you from the rail sector as
well – go to the Focus section to find out what is new there.
Meanwhile I wish you a substantial dose of resilience – from the weather as well as from
the pessimistic prognosis. As Krzysztof Urbaś writes in his feuilleton (p. 12), ”We are living in
interesting times, and more and more often, crisis means a chance rather than a loss.” Hopefully
things will turn out brighter than expected.
Lena Lorenc
Editor
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©2007-2011
Baltic Press