Yesterday the European Commission presented "The path of Transition for an Industrial Mobility Ecosystem of the EU', a plan that is the result of two years of work carried out jointly with national and regional authorities, industry stakeholders, NGOs and other stakeholders identifies, on the basis of a bottom-up approach, the challenges, opportunities, conditions and necessary actions to drive the green and digital transitions and improve the ecosystem resilience, in line with the new strategy industrial sector.

The plan covers, among others, the maritime industry and consisting of a segment of construction and repair Germany, France, Italy and Holland as the main contributors in terms of GDP, maritime and road transport inland waterways of goods and passengers, and Port. It is an industry given that more than 80% of the EU's external trade is the 40% of the EU's internal trade is carried by sea and transport The Union's maritime fleet controls 39.5% of the world's maritime fleet. The recalls that the European maritime technology sector includes around 300 shipyards and more than 28,000 manufacturers of marine equipment and technology providers, and is a sector that generates an aggregate output value of 125 billion euros, equal to 23.8% of the value of world production maritime technology (€482.5 billion), and creates jobs in the direct and indirect employment, especially highly skilled work, in order to more than one million people in Europe.

In particular, the document highlights that shipyards are world leaders in complex shipbuilding and cruise ships, which account for 80% of the value of commercial orders of the Union's shipyards, which - notes the plan - it can, however, lead to problems in the event of sudden reduction in demand, as was the case during the Covid crisis. The document also specifies that the construction, maintenance and refitting of pleasure boats is an area in which the EU is a world leader, with the production that has remained in Europe and has grown.

The The plan examines the state of the European shipbuilding industry, analysis carried out with the contribution of SEA Europe, the representing the European shipbuilding industry, noting that the competitiveness of the shipbuilding industry In the 1950s, the European Union continued to decline the combined production of eleven Member States accounted for 64% of the world's shipbuilding - it should be remembered - this share of market began to decline from 1980 onwards; Since 2000, the China and South Korea have become major players, and aid shipbuilding in Europe were abolished in 2003. The The plan specifies that Europe is still a leader in high-end segments. high added value, such as cruise ships, yachts and pleasure boats, even if competitors start to enter even in these niches.

It is observed that today the Korean and Chinese portfolio is more diversified and, therefore, more resilient. Now In addition, European shipowners mainly order ships from outside the EU. Europe, where they can find cheaper solutions. The EU's shipbuilding sector is under pressure, including due to the massive state aid referred to in the shipyards in other countries benefit, aid ranging from subsidies for the purchase of steel, from a more easy to finance to get to local requirements that promote domestic production and other forms of protectionism.

The plan highlights that European stakeholders have pointed out that, in order to safeguard the competitiveness of the of European shipyards in the face of this competition the regulation of world trade and trade defence instruments, such as anti-dumping, are ineffective in the field of shipbuilding due to the specificities of the sector: e.g. - it is recalled that - From a customs point of view, ships are generally not Consider imported goods. According to European stakeholders - explains the document - This has encouraged competitors continue with distortive practices that could be have been a key factor in leading to price differences in the production of 30-40% between a European and an Asian ship. The Plan specifies that European stakeholders are calling for an effective strategy to meet the challenges of competitiveness of the maritime sector.

The paper notes that, in the wake of recent progress in by the International Maritime Organization and the adoption of several specific measures at EU level to reduce emissions from maritime transport, the necessary transition to clean shipping is a an opportunity for the EU maritime industry to can regain competitiveness. This, in in particular, will require significant investment in the development of new technologies in a market where the EU already plays a major role in the A leading role in research and innovation. Take in addition to new opportunities in terms of the renewal of the fleet and retrofitting activities.

Focusing on the activity of ship dismantling, the recalls that the Hong Kong International Convention for a Safe and environmentally friendly ship recycling adopted from the IMO will enter into force in June 2025 and could a profitable business for Europe. It is observed whereas, however, the shipyards needed for the recycling of ships are different from those used for shipbuilding and is therefore, adequate preparation is necessary before the new Convention enters into force.

The actions that the plan suggests to enable you to safeguarding and increasing the competitiveness of the industry in the short term, improve the efficiency of the production and operations through digitalisation, automation and and redevelopment; continue the dialogue with the parties stakeholders to address the specific challenges of competitiveness and continue to explore new tools to ensure level playing field and other appropriate initiatives industry-specific; support the introduction of sustainable and resilient in public procurement, but also in private procurement of strategic fleets for Europe, such as contracts for cabotage vessels, maritime transport and short-haul, passenger transport, fishing, shipping offshore renewable energy and the blue economy. In the In the medium term, it is also suggested that the development of new circular and sustainable business models and the exploitation of opportunities offered by the green maritime transition, e.g. e.g. with investments in fleet renewal and development technological.

SEA Europe has welcomed the plan published by the EU Commission: "The Transition Pathway - said Christophe Tytgat, Secretary General of the Association European Shipbuilding - is an important recognition by part of the European Commission of the fact that the maritime technology is key to greening and the digitalisation of the maritime transport sector'.