- European Shipowners (ECSA) and Sea Europe call for the maritime sector’s inclusion in key EU industrial and transport strategies.
- Financial support, including EU ETS funding, is needed to accelerate green technologies and low-emission fuel adoption.
- Strengthening EU shipyards and maritime manufacturing is crucial for resilience and reducing foreign dependence.
The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) and Sea Europe have issued a joint statement urging the European Commission to include the maritime sector—comprising shipping, shipyards, and equipment manufacturers—in the European Industrial Maritime Strategy and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP).
Both organizations stress the need for impactful actions to enhance Europe’s international competitiveness, strengthen its industrial base, and align with EU climate objectives. They highlight that European shipping represents 35% of the global fleet, significantly exceeding the EU’s 15% share of global GDP, underscoring its importance to global trade and economic security.
Enhancing Innovation and Sustainability in Maritime Manufacturing
A strong, innovative, and globally competitive maritime sector is essential for Europe’s economic security. While Europe maintains leadership in complex ship types and maritime equipment manufacturing, greater resilience is needed to reduce dependence on foreign markets. An effective industrial maritime strategy will help consolidate Europe’s leadership, reclaim strategic markets, and capitalize on emerging segments in maritime technology.
The statement underscores the importance of financial support from EU and national ETS revenues to facilitate the adoption of clean technologies and low-emission fuels, furthering the energy transition in the maritime sector.
Key Policy Recommendations
- Strengthening Europe’s Maritime Industry: A comprehensive European Industrial Maritime Strategy to enhance the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of shipyards and maritime equipment manufacturers.
- Fair Global Competition for European Shipping: Ensuring an internationally competitive shipping sector through fair regulatory and taxation frameworks.
- Investment in Clean Technologies: Financial incentives to encourage the adoption of low- and zero-emission vessels, retrofits, and advanced clean technologies within Europe.
- Boosting European Clean Fuel Production: Binding clean fuel production mandates aligned with the Net Zero Industry Act, promoting investment certainty for shipbuilders and manufacturers.
- Expanding Access to Maritime Financing: Greater access to public and private funding, utilizing EU ETS revenues to support energy transition initiatives, clean fuel investments, and the modernization of shipyards and manufacturing processes.
By implementing these measures, Europe can reinforce its leadership in maritime manufacturing and shipping while advancing sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness in the global maritime sector.
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Source: ECSA
