European Shipowners (ECSA) and SEA Europe, representing European shipowners and maritime equipment manufacturers, have issued a joint statement emphasising their commitment to achieving EU climate targets and enhancing the international competitiveness of Europe’s maritime sector.
The associations are urging the European Commission to include the maritime sector in both the European Industrial Maritime Strategy and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan. They are also calling for significant public action to support these goals.
Key recommendations include reinforcing the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of Europe’s maritime manufacturing sector through a robust European industrial maritime strategy. This strategy, mentioned in the Mission Letter of the Commission President to the Transport Commissioner, is seen as crucial for the broader European maritime cluster and for meeting EU and IMO climate targets.
The statement also stresses the importance of maintaining a level playing field for the European shipping sector through fair international regulatory and taxation policies. This is essential for ensuring that European shipping remains competitive on the global stage.
Additionally, the statement calls for financial incentives to boost demand for low- and zero-emission ships, retrofits, and clean technologies. These incentives would also support investments in upgrading shipyards and maritime manufacturing processes, enhancing their efficiency.
The associations recommend introducing binding obligations for the production and manufacturing of clean fuels in Europe, in line with the Net Zero Industry Act objectives. This measure is expected to promote investments in Europe’s maritime manufacturing industry by providing certainty on the availability of clean fuels.
Finally, the statement highlights the need for better access to finance for maritime investments supporting the energy and digital transition. This includes channelling EU ETS revenues to support the maritime sector’s energy transition, investments in clean fuels, and the upgrade of shipyard and maritime manufacturing processes. The associations suggest utilising various financing tools, including banking finance, guarantees, capital markets, and private investors, to facilitate better risk sharing of innovative and transitional projects.
