Rising protectionist policies are endangering global trade and placing additional strain on the maritime shipping industry, cautioned Michael Blach, President of Eurogate Group, a leading German container terminal operator.
Speaking in a recent interview, Blach expressed concern over increasing geopolitical tensions and unpredictable trade policies, particularly citing U.S. tariff threats. He warned that such protectionist measures could drive up costs, weaken trade volumes, and shift supply chains overseas, ultimately reducing demand for maritime trade.
“There is no doubt that protectionist tendencies are growing,” Blach stated. “Such measures are the wrong way to go. Instead, collaboration and a strong commitment to free trade are essential to sustaining global commerce.”
Blach emphasized that free trade has long been a key driver of economic prosperity, international cooperation, and geopolitical stability. He urged global trade stakeholders to explore alternatives to tariff barriers to ensure the continued growth of international commerce.
China-Europe Express: Strengthening Maritime Links
Despite the challenges posed by protectionist policies, Eurogate continues to invest in strategic international partnerships. One such initiative is the recently established direct shipping route between China’s Ningbo-Zhoushan Port and Germany’s Wilhelmshaven, known as the “China-Europe Express.”
The service, launched in collaboration with Chinese and German companies, offers the fastest maritime connection between China’s Yangtze River Delta region and Europe. The first vessel, the “KAWA Ningbo,” arrived in Wilhelmshaven on January 24, marking the route’s official inauguration.
“This route significantly reduces shipping time to just 26 days, nearly two weeks faster than conventional lanes,” Blach noted. “We are confident that this express service will boost China-Europe trade volumes and strengthen commercial ties between the two regions.”
Maritime and Rail: A Synergistic Approach
Blach also acknowledged the critical role of intermodal transport, highlighting the China-Europe freight train network as a complementary component to maritime shipping. The network connects China with several European countries, including Germany, Poland, and Spain, enhancing logistics efficiency across the region.
“The synergy between maritime and rail transport is essential for optimizing intermodal solutions and strengthening the resilience of the China-Europe trade corridor,” he explained.
Future Prospects and Sustainability in Shipping
Looking ahead, Blach expressed optimism about deepening cooperation between German and Chinese partners in the port and shipping sectors. He stressed the importance of continuous innovation and sustainability in maritime logistics.
“We look forward to expanding collaboration with Chinese ports and technology firms, learning from one another, and working together toward the sustainable development of global shipping,” he concluded.
The evolving landscape of international trade remains uncertain, but Eurogate’s commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and global cooperation signals a forward-looking approach to navigating the challenges of modern maritime logistics.