The EU Commission has adopted an Industrial Maritime Strategy and a Ports Strategy intended to drive competitiveness, sustainability, decarbonisationand security within the EU’s wider waterborne sector.
“With our EU Ports and Industrial Maritime Strategies, we are equipping Europe’s ports, shipping and shipbuilding sectors to lead the clean energy transition, secure trade and defence, and remain globally competitive”, said Commisisoner Apostolos Tzitzikostas: “They renew our ambition for European maritime leadership, reinforcing economic security, driving sustainable growth, and supporting quality jobs and territorial cohesion across Europe.”
The EU Industrial Maritime Strategy includes 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. A ‘Shipyards of the Future’ R&I 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. The Commission will also establish a dialogue with Member States to promote EU flags and streamline administrative formalities, including the monitoring, reporting and verification framework for EU ETS Maritime and FuelEU Maritime.
The Strategy will 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.
The Strategy, which will strength export financing and targeted trade policies, also integrates a strong military dimension, with specific actions including the ramp-up of naval industrial production capacities and the development of a dual-use ferry construction support mechanism.
Regarding the EU’s ports, the Commission will promote innovation, digitalisation and integration 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.
With ports being prime targets for external threats and organised criminal groups, the Commission will look to strengthen maritime security legislation to prevent drug trafficking, effectively address emerging threats and enhance EU supply chain security. The Commission will propose frameworks for conducting port workers’ background checks and for assessing third-country ports. To ensure effective implementation of the Strategies, the Commission will establish a high-level Maritime Industries and Ports Board.
Communication – EU Ports Strategy
Communication – EU Industrial Maritime Strategy
Questions and answers – EU Ports Strategy and EU Industrial Maritime Strategy
Factsheet – EU Ports Strategy
Factsheet – EU Industrial Maritime Strategy
