Mr Jaakko Eskola, Group Vice President and Head of Wärtsilä Ship Power has been appointed Chairman of the European Marine Equipment Council (EMEC). He will assume this position today, 1 April 2008.
The European Marine Equipment Council (EMEC) represents the European marine equipment industry, and comprises 12 European trade associations from Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany (two), Italy, Norway, Poland, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom. EMEC stands for a strong European marine equipment industry. It optimises interaction between the member associations and European institutions, and supports the involvement of companies in all EU programmes affecting the sector. In particular, it strives for increasing the quality of marine technology and the competitiveness and prosperity of the whole industry.
European marine equipment manufacturers and suppliers represent a cluster of companies with a very significant role in the European Maritime cluster. The marine equipment manufacturers and service providers supply all the products and services necessary for building, repair, conversion and maintenance of vessels. The products and services delivered by the industry account for up to 70% of the total value of the ship. The maritime equipment sector employs directly more than 280,000 people, while indirect employment amounts to about 440,000.
“The environmental challenge will top the agenda in all marine related industries. Prime movers have improved in efficiency and emissions levels, but further improvements are needed. I expect that there will be stronger equipment integration development that will secure higher overall efficiency, innovations related to different fuel strategies, and secondary methods to meet future demands. Improved environmental performance will be the focus for R&D and new equipment”, says Jaakko Eskola, Group Vice President, Wärtsilä Ship Power.
