The European Commission has adopted a new Industrial Maritime Strategy to strengthen competitiveness, sustainability, decarbonisation, security and resilience across the EU’s shipbuilding, shipping and maritime technology sectors.
The move strengthens Europe’s role in global shipping, with shipyards producing advanced vessels and EU carriers handling over a third of worldwide tonnage.
The Strategy launches a EU Industrial Maritime Value Chains Alliance, supporting high‑tech shipbuilding, offshore service vessels, autonomous underwater systems, and next‑generation maritime equipment.
A ‘Shipyards of the Future’ R&I flagship under Horizon Europe will test and scale innovative solutions across EU shipyards.
The Commission will promote EU flags, streamline procedures, and align public and private funding to support fleet renewal, digitalisation, and decarbonisation.
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The strategy includes enhanced export financing, trade policies, dual-use vessel production, and workforce programs to upskill seafarers and shipyard staff in green technologies.
It emphasises security and resilience through cyber risk frameworks and Member State coordination, while investment tools such as the Connecting Europe Facility will support infrastructure, digitalisation, and clean maritime technologies.
Implementation will be overseen by a high-level Maritime Industries Board, informed by stakeholder engagement throughout 2025.
The Commission’s new strategy aims to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness, innovation, and security in maritime sectors, supporting growth in shipbuilding, shipping services, and marine technologies amid a challenging global environment.
