By Abbas Nazil
European Shipowners (ECSA) and Sea Europe have jointly called on the European Commission to integrate the maritime sector into the European Industrial Maritime Strategy and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP).
The organizations emphasize that ensuring the global competitiveness of European shipping is essential for maintaining a strong maritime industrial cluster.
According to Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General of ECSA, closing the innovation gap in Europe is critical for strengthening the European industrial base, and financial support from EU and national Emissions Trading System (ETS) revenues should be directed toward the adoption of clean technologies and fuels.
In their joint statement, ECSA and Sea Europe highlight the need for a robust European industrial maritime strategy that enhances the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of Europe’s maritime manufacturing sector, including shipyards and maritime equipment manufacturers.
They argue that Europe’s shipbuilding industry must receive significant support to remain globally competitive.
This includes financial incentives aimed at increasing demand for low- and zero-emission ships, retrofitting existing fleets, and deploying clean technologies across the maritime sector.
They stress the importance of investments in modernizing shipyards and maritime manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency and maintain Europe’s leadership in the industry.
Another key recommendation is the establishment of an internationally competitive European shipping sector by ensuring a fair regulatory and taxation framework at the global level.
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The organizations warn that without a level playing field, Europe’s shipping sector could lose ground to competitors in regions with more favorable regulatory conditions.
They advocate for financial mechanisms that support shipping companies operating in Europe, ensuring their long-term sustainability while advancing green initiatives.
ECSA and Sea Europe also call for binding commitments to increase the production and manufacturing of clean fuels in Europe, aligning with the objectives of the Net Zero Industry Act.
They argue that the European Commission should introduce policies that stimulate the domestic production of low-carbon and zero-emission fuels to reduce reliance on external suppliers and accelerate the maritime industry’s transition toward sustainability.
Furthermore, the joint statement urges European policymakers to improve access to financing for maritime investments.
The organizations emphasize that public funding and private financing must work together to support the sector’s energy and digital transformation.
Specifically, they propose that revenues generated from the EU ETS at both national and European levels should be allocated more effectively to promote energy transition in the maritime sector.
Investments should prioritize clean fuels, the demand for low-emission ships, and the modernization of shipyards and maritime production facilities.
To ensure financial stability and risk-sharing for innovative projects, ECSA and Sea Europe advocate for a diverse range of funding mechanisms.
These should include banking finance, guarantees, capital markets, and private investors to facilitate the transition to a cleaner and more competitive maritime industry.
