EU Shipowners Urge Maritime Inclusion in Sustainable Transport Investment Plan
European Shipowners (ECSA) and Sea Europe have called on the European Commission to integrate the maritime sector into both the European Industrial Maritime Strategy and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP).
A Stronger, Greener European Maritime Industry
Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General of European Shipowners, emphasized the need for financial backing:
“Both initiatives should ensure the international competitiveness of European shipping, which is a prerequisite for a strong and competitive European maritime industrial cluster. Addressing the widening innovation gap in Europe is the only way to enhance the European industrial base.”
Key Recommendations:
✔ Boosting Competitiveness & Sustainability – Strengthening European shipyards and maritime manufacturers through a comprehensive industrial strategy.
✔ Ensuring a Level Playing Field – Maintaining a competitive European shipping sector through fair international regulations and taxation.
✔ Investing in Clean Technologies – Financial incentives to support low- and zero-emission ships, retrofits, and clean fuels.
✔ Scaling Up Clean Fuel Production – Introducing binding commitments for European clean fuel production under the Net Zero Industry Act.
✔ Enhancing Access to Finance – Utilizing EU ETS revenues, public funding, and private financing to accelerate the maritime energy and digital transition.
By channeling EU and national funding toward clean fuels and shipyard innovation, this initiative aims to drive Europe’s maritime sector towards a sustainable and competitive future.
