Energy crisis forces road and shipowners to drive and sail more slowly
Energy crisis looms in Europe due to ongoing disruptions in oil and gas supplies. The European Commission therefore wants both road traffic and shipping to reduce their speed to save fuel. In doing so, Brussels is trying to be prepared for possible shortages in the coming months.
The proposals stem from the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, where oil supplies have been under pressure for weeks. Although there are currently no acute shortages, prices are rising sharply and uncertainty is growing about the availability of fuels such as diesel and paraffin.
Energy crisis leads to slower speeds in transport
One of the key measures in the proposal is to reduce the speed of vehicles and ships. By driving and sailing at lower speeds, fuel consumption can be significantly reduced. This principle has long been used in shipping, where 'slow steaming' helps reduce costs and emissions.
It can also have an effect for road transport. Less speed means less fuel consumption, but it also has an impact on delivery times and planning. For many hauliers, therefore, this is a tricky balance.
The proposals follow previous advice from organisations such as the International Energy Agency and transport industry associations.
Did you know
Lower vessel speeds can reduce fuel consumption by tens of percent, depending on route and loading.
Energy crisis triggers wider measures
Besides adjustments in transport, other measures are also proposed. For instance, the European Commission wants member states to promote the use of public transport and encourage residents to use cars less often.
Other ideas include car-free days, mandatory working from home and lowering air-conditioning settings in buildings. These measures should collectively contribute to lower energy consumption.
For now, these are recommendations. Member states decide for themselves whether and how to implement these measures. As a result, it is still uncertain which proposals will actually be implemented.
For the logistics sector, this means that new restrictions and adjustments may arrive. Efficient planning and flexible operations will become even more important. Read more about transport solutions on the multimodal page.
The coming period will reveal whether the looming energy crisis will become a reality and which measures will actually affect transport and logistics in Europe.
