The European Commission has presented an EU strategy for industrial maritime shipping and a port strategy. The aim is to strengthen competitiveness, sustainability, decarbonization, security and resilience.
The measures are aimed in particular at shipping, shipbuilding and ports. With the strategy for industrial maritime shipping, the Commission wants to secure Europe’s technological leadership in shipbuilding and maritime services. Among other things, an EU alliance for maritime value chains and funding measures for high-tech shipbuilding, offshore wind service vessels, underwater drones and modern port technology are planned. In the Horizon Europe research program, a “Shipyards of the Future” initiative will also test innovative technologies in real shipyard environments.
EU flag to be strengthened
The Commission is also planning a dialog with the member states to strengthen EU flags and simplify administrative procedures, for example in connection with the monitoring, reporting and verification system for EU ETS Maritime and FuelEU Maritime. Public demand and funding should also stimulate private investment in innovation, digitalization and fleet renewal and decarbonization.
The EU ports strategy aims to strengthen the role of European ports as central hubs of the economy. Around 74% of the EU’s foreign trade is handled via seaports; around 3.4 billion tons of goods and around 395 million passengers are handled there every year.
Commission focuses on promoting innovation and digitalization
The Commission wants to promote innovation, digitalization and the integration of ports into other transport infrastructures. In addition, guidelines are to be developed for foreign investments in EU ports and for European investments in port projects in third countries. Measures to electrify ports and improve grid connections are intended to support the energy transition. A roadmap for the competitiveness of small and medium-sized ports is also planned.
Another focus is on the security of ports and supply chains. Plans include possible background checks for port workers, assessments of ports in third countries and a forum for exchange between port authorities and cyber security agencies. An EU-wide risk analysis of cyber security threats is also to be carried out.
The Commission intends to set up a high-level committee for the maritime industry and ports to implement the strategies. The initiatives are part of the EU Competitiveness Compass and the planned European Ocean Pact.
