Call for Inclusion of European Maritime Sector in Sustainability Plan

European Shipowners (ECSA) and Sea Europe have jointly called on the European Commission to include the maritime sector in the European Industrial Maritime Strategy and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP). They emphasize the importance of ensuring the international competitiveness of European shipping to maintain a strong and competitive European maritime industrial cluster. Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General of European Shipowners, highlights the need to address the innovation gap in Europe and increase the uptake of clean technologies and fuels through financial support from national and EU ETS revenues.

The joint statement outlines key recommendations to strengthen Europe’s maritime manufacturing sector, including European shipyards and maritime equipment manufacturers. They advocate for an impactful European industrial maritime strategy to enhance international competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience. Additionally, maintaining an internationally competitive European shipping sector through a level regulatory and taxation playing field is crucial. The statement also calls for financial incentives to support shipyards and manufacturers in adopting clean technologies and fuels, as well as upgrading processes to improve efficiency.

Furthermore, the statement emphasizes the importance of introducing binding obligations for the production and manufacturing of clean fuels in Europe in alignment with the Net Zero Industry Act objectives. This should be done through the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan. Access to finance is also highlighted as a key factor in supporting maritime investments for the energy and digital transition. The statement suggests better channeling of EU ETS revenues to support the energy transition in the maritime sector, boost demand for low- and zero-emission ships and technologies, and upgrade shipyard and manufacturing processes. Various financing tools, including public funding and private financing, should be utilized to facilitate risk sharing for innovative projects.

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