The European Commission has unveiled its Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP), a roadmap to accelerate the energy transition in aviation and waterborne transport.
The plan identifies investment needs, outlines how existing EU funding can be used more effectively, and proposes closer coordination between Member States alongside stronger international cooperation.
For the waterborne sector — a complex network of shipyards, owners, ports, equipment suppliers, service providers and research institutions — the message is clear: the transition will require tailored solutions across a diverse fleet, from inland vessels and ferries to offshore units, and intercontinental carriers.
STIP also underscores the central role of SMEs, which make up the majority of the sector and drive much of its innovation capacity.
The plan highlights the need for a mix of energy-efficiency upgrades, retrofitting options and newbuild technologies, acknowledging that different ship types and business models — from liner trades to bulk and tramp operators — demand different pathways.
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Reacting to the publication, Jaap Gebraad, Secretary General of Waterborne TP, welcomed the strategy but stressed that zero-emission technologies depend on globally available, competitively priced alternative fuels.
He noted that Waterborne TP is developing detailed technology roadmaps to guide EU research programmes and the European Competitiveness Fund.
STIP’s inclusion of the Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) Partnership as a flagship action reinforces the need for close public–private collaboration.
Gebraad said continuing the co-programmed ZEWT Partnership will be vital for a resilient and competitive European maritime sector.
He said: “We look forward to shaping Horizon Europe, the ECF and upcoming strategies with the Commission and Member States to ensure the future strength of Europe’s waterborne industry.”
