The first strategy will strengthen the continent’s maritime leadership through several measures, including launching an EU Industrial Maritime Value Chains Alliance, aimed at advancing high-tech shipbuilding, offshore wind support vessels, underwater drones and cutting-edge port equipment.
The European Commission has adopted an EU Industrial Maritime Strategy and a Ports Strategy to drive competitiveness, sustainability, decarbonisation, security and resilience within the EU’s wider waterborne sector.
The strategies focus on ports, shipping and shipbuilding.
To ensure effective implementation of both, the Commission will set up a high-level Maritime Industries and Ports Board.
A ‘Shipyards of the Future’ research and innovation flagship call under Horizon Europe will also support the testing of innovative solutions in real-world shipyard environments, with the goal of scaling successful technologies across Europe.
To foster competitive shipping, the Commission will establish a dialogue with member states to promote EU flags and streamline administrative formalities, including the monitoring, reporting and verification framework for EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) Maritime and FuelEU Maritime.
The strategy will leverage public demand and funding to promote private investment in innovation and digitalisation of the EU shipbuilding, as well as the renewal and decarbonisation of the shipping fleet, including through the inclusion of targeted non-price criteria in the upcoming review of the public procurement directives, an official release said.
The strategy ensures fair global competition for EU shipyards and equipment manufacturers, reinforced through strengthened export financing and targeted trade policies, including a possible sector specific tool for the sector.
Under the Ports Strategy, the Commission will promote innovation, digitalisation and integration of ports with other transport infrastructure, develop guidance on foreign ownership of EU ports and for EU funding and investments in third-country ports.
To advance EU ports’ clean energy transition, the Strategy presents measures promoting electrification and improved grid connection. It will also set out a roadmap for competitive small and medium-sized ports.
The Commission will explore ways to further strengthen maritime security legislation to prevent drug trafficking, effectively address emerging threats and enhance EU supply chain security.
To ensure effective implementation of both the strategies, the Commission will set up a high-level Maritime Industries and Ports Board.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
