An overarching EU Maritime Strategy

The vital role of shipping in guaranteeing Europe’s economic security is acknowledged in the Draghi Report on the future of European competitiveness[13]. The transport sector, including shipping, is one of the ten key industries analysed in the report, with specific recommendations for policy interventions.

The new European Commission’s priorities and work programme, as well as the first policy initiatives announced (e.g. Competitiveness Compass, Clean Industrial Deal) have adopted the Draghi Report recommendations and place competitiveness at the core of EU policies.

In this context, the overarching principle in every EU policy going forward should be that decarbonisation must always go hand in hand with competitiveness, not against it. This is even more important for the upcoming EU Industrial Maritime Strategy, which will greatly influence the course of EU shipping and the whole maritime sector for the years to come.

The EU Industrial Maritime Strategy must have shipping at its core and adopt a holistic approach for the maritime sector. It should:

 

  • Ensure the international competitiveness of EU shipping by maintaining the existing regulatory framework for the support of the sector and by aligning EU rules with the pertinent global ones.
  • Address the needs and features of all shipping segments, including the bulk/tramp sector and the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) which constitute the backbone of EU shipping.
  • Impose binding obligations on fuel producers and suppliers to guarantee the availability of safe and affordable alternative marine fuels.
  • Facilitate access to public and private finance in order to help shipping companies meet both their competitiveness and decarbonisation targets.
  • Ensure that the industry has access to a sufficient number of qualified and competent seafarers to cover the emerging and future needs of the sector, with a view to preserving and expanding maritime know-how in the EU.

[13] “The future of European Competitiveness”, September 2024