Through the European Maritime Industrial Strategy (EMIS), the EU aims to strengthen the European maritime industry. This includes improving competitiveness against Asian competitors, reducing strategic dependencies, and providing greater support for the digital and green transitions.
The German Shipbuilding and Marine Technology Association (VSM) welcomes the conclusions of the EU Transport Council on the European Maritime Industrial Strategy (EMIS). With these decisions, the Council is sending an important signal for strengthening the European shipbuilding and marine technology industry as a strategic pillar of Europe’s competitiveness, technological sovereignty, and economic resilience.
The VSM particularly welcomes the clear recognition of the maritime industry as a key sector for Europe’s industrial future. The Council’s decisions reinforce the strategy presented by the European Commission, which in many respects relies on implementation by the member states.
Among other things, the decisions highlight the need for competitive financing instruments to enable investments in fleet renewal and the modernization of production facilities. At the same time, the Council calls for improved access to EU funding programs and increased effectiveness of these programs. Many of the instruments referenced in EMIS have so far had a rather limited impact on the maritime industry.
The Council also emphasizes the need to ensure and strengthen a critical mass of the industrial base. In this context, effective protection against market-distorting subsidies from third countries is of particular importance. At the same time, the Council advocates the development of a program for dual-use ferries as well as a strategic orientation for public procurement and contracting procedures. It also supports the establishment of a European Alliance for Maritime Value Chains, the modernization of shipyards under the “Shipyards of the Future” initiative, and the targeted promotion of skilled workers and expertise.
“The Council of Ministers’ conclusions on the Industrial Maritime Strategy back the Commission while also underscoring the commitment of the member states. They jointly recognize that shipbuilding and marine technology are far more than just an economic sector: They are a prerequisite for industrial sovereignty, technological leadership, secure supply chains, and the successful transformation of our economy. It is particularly important that Europe addresses the distorted competition caused by heavily subsidized suppliers from third countries and explicitly highlights the importance of strong European value creation. With its action plan, the German government has already presented its own work program on this issue. This must now be swiftly translated into concrete policy instruments,” explains Reinhard Lüken, CEO of the VSM.
The VSM also welcomes the call for more accessible European financing instruments for shipyards, suppliers, and maritime innovations. Long-term investments and reliable framework conditions are indispensable, particularly with regard to the transition to climate-neutral shipping, the expansion of digital technologies, and the strengthening of European security and defense capabilities.
