Acknowledging the growing pressure from global competition and rising security risks on Europe’s shipbuilding, maritime manufacturing, and shipping sectors, the European Commission is working on an EU Ports Strategy and an EU Industrial Maritime Strategy.
It stated that as gateways for trade, logistics, energy, and military mobility, ports must fit to support the region’s future economic and strategic needs. A comprehensive EU Ports Strategy will aim to support the long-term competitiveness of ports in terms of security, energy transition, and sustainability. The EU Industrial Maritime Strategy will reinforce the sector’s competitiveness and resilience, while driving forward its green and digital transition.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, said they want to ensure that Europe’s ports and waterborne industries are equipped to lead the clean and digital energy transition, support defence and trade, and remain globally competitive. “Broad stakeholder input is essential – we are committed to listening to the sector’s needs and ambitions to help shape a future-ready Europe.”
Stephane Sejourne, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, said the Commission is committed to supporting sectors where Europe leads globally. “The maritime industry and our ports are vital for Europe’s sovereignty. Our priority is to strengthen their competitiveness while driving their decarbonization.”
Greener Ports
Meanwhile, the EU is investing in a range of projects to reduce the environmental impact of maritime and inland waterway transport. It includes upgrading ports in Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Croatia, and Poland with shore-side electricity to reduce emissions from ships at berth.
The European Union is also looking at the construction and upgrading of multi-purpose icebreakers in Estonia, Finland, and Sweden to strengthen the security and resilience of submarine cables. Furthermore, it will deploy digital traffic systems in France and Spain to improve the safety and efficiency of short-sea shipping, and reduce congestion.
