Yesterday, the European Commission presented a maritime industrial strategy and a port strategy. The aim is to facilitate the transition to fossil-free operations, boost competitiveness, and increase security—particularly in ports.

The European Commission has introduced two new strategies. The first, an industrial maritime strategy, highlights the crucial importance of shipping and the maritime cluster for Europe’s economy and supply resilience. The goal is to create more jobs, boost innovation, and increase the competitiveness of European shipping. Among other things, the strategy will promote the development of high-tech shipbuilding, support vessels for offshore wind power, underwater drones, and advanced port equipment.

The strategy also reflects shipping’s dual civilian and military role through measures that support the construction of vessels with dual-use capabilities.

“Ports, maritime manufacturing, and shipping are crucial for the EU’s competitiveness, security, and cohesion, especially in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment,” says Raffaele Fitto, Vice-President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms.

The strategy also proposes that member states’ revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) be used to support the introduction of alternative fuels and cleaner technologies in shipping. At the same time, the Commission will continue to push for global emissions reductions within the International Maritime Organization and review relevant EU legislation.

In the field of research and innovation, a flagship call under Horizon Europe is planned to support the testing of new technological solutions in real shipyard environments. The goal is to accelerate the development and dissemination of innovative technologies within Europe’s shipbuilding industry.

In the new port strategy, the Commission emphasizes that ports can no longer be viewed solely as transport hubs, but now also play a central role in the EU’s energy supply, infrastructure, security, and defense.

“ Ports are vital gateways to our internal market, yet they are increasingly targeted by trafficking networks, organised crime and corruption. With today’s EU Ports Strategy, we are strengthening security through enhanced background checks of port workers, deeper engagement with partner countries and public-private partnerships under the Ports Alliance. Already, EUR 200 million has been mobilised to upgrade customs scanning, container inspection and risk-analysis tools at major EU ports. Now we need to extend this to include smaller ports as well, ” says Magnus Brunner, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration.

To strengthen the competitiveness of EU ports and accelerate the transition, the European Commission is also focusing on innovation, digitalization, and better integration of ports with other transport infrastructure. The Commission also plans clearer guidelines on foreign ownership of ports, as well as EU financing and investments in ports outside the Union.

To drive the transition toward fossil-free ports, the strategy also presents measures that promote electrification and grid connections. In addition, a roadmap for competitive small and medium-sized ports will be developed.