Mikki Koskinen elected as President of the European Shipowners | ECSA
Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director of ESL Shipping, has been elected as President of European Shipowners | ECSA for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2026.
Koskinen takes office at a critical time for European shipping, amid geopolitical uncertainty, the urgent need for decarbonization, and growing skills shortages. The European fleet, representing about 35% of the global total, plays a vital role in securing supply chains, enabling European exports, and connecting Europe to the world.
"Shipping is fundamental to Europe’s security and competitiveness. As we move towards net zero, our industry is investing in modern fleets and technologies that reduce emissions while ensuring reliable supply chains. To make this transition viable, we need targeted support to close the cost gap between fossil and green fuels", says Mikki Koskinen, President of European Shipowners from 1 January 2026.
Koskinen is the first Finnish President of European Shipowners, representing the Finnish Shipowners’ Association. European Shipowners represents the voice of European shipping and advocates for a regulatory framework that supports competitiveness and sustainability. Koskinen has been the Managing Director of ESL Shipping since 2013. He is a Member of the Board of the Finnish Shipowners’ Association, where he was the Chairman of the Board between 2021 and 2023. He has also represented Finland on the International Chamber of Shipping board, the global trade association for shipowners and operators.
For more information, please contact:
Mikki Koskinen
Managing Director, ESL Shipping Ltd
President, European Shipowners | ECSA from 1 January 2026
mob. +358 50 351 7791, firstname.lastname@eslshipping.com
About ESL Shipping
ESL Shipping is the leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic region. ESL Shipping’s competitive edge is based on its ability to responsibly secure product and raw material transportation for industries and energy production all year round, even in difficult weather conditions. The shipping company loads and unloads large ocean liners at sea as a special service. ESL Shipping Ltd has been in business for over 75 years and is a subsidiary of Aspo Plc. The combined fleet of ESL Shipping and AtoB@C Shipping consists of around 40 vessels with cargo capacity ranging from 4,000 to 25,000 dwt.
About European Shipowners | ECSA
European Shipowners | ECSA represents 21 national shipowners’ associations based in the EU and Norway. European shipowners control 35% of the global commercial fleet, contribute 127.8 billion euros per year to the EU GDP and provide 1.4 million people with careers both on board and ashore. ES|ECSA strives for a regulatory environment that fosters the international competitiveness of European shipping, to the benefit of the EU.
Images for media use (Copyright ECSA)