The European Commission adopted the EU Industrial Maritime Transport Strategy and the Ports Strategy, which aim to enhance the competitiveness, sustainability, security, and decarbonization of the European Union’s maritime sector. These documents also aim to strengthen the industry’s resilience and develop a more integrated transport system.
The Industrial Maritime Transport Strategy aims to strengthen Europe’s leadership in the maritime sector. Key measures include the creation of the EU Industrial Maritime Value Chain Alliance, which will support the development of high-tech shipbuilding, the production of vessels for offshore wind projects, underwater drones, and port equipment. Furthermore, the European Commission plans to initiate a dialogue with Member States to promote EU flags and simplify administrative procedures, including the monitoring, reporting, and verification system for EU ETS Maritime and FuelEU Maritime.
A separate EU Ports Strategy aims to foster innovation, digitalization, and closer integration of port infrastructure with other modes of transport. The document also provides for the development of recommendations regarding foreign ownership of EU ports and the use of European investment in third-country port infrastructure. To accelerate the energy transition of ports, the strategy proposes measures to electrify them and improve their connectivity to the power grid.