Yesterday in Szczecin, as part of the eleventh edition International Maritime Congress, a Informal meeting of European Ministers for the Maritime Sector to meet concluded with the delivery to the European Commission of a Joint Statement by EU Member States calling for increased competitiveness and resilience in the European sectors of maritime transport and shipbuilding as well as a EU industrial strategy for the maritime economy.

The European Shipowners (ECSA) and SEA Europe associations, in representation of shipowners and shipyards respectively welcomed the Declaration by stressing whereas, at a time when protectionism is gaining ground in the the document sends a strong signal that Europe does not need protectionist measures, but investments to bridge the innovation gap and to make the more competitive maritime industrial cluster.

In the light of the exhortation expressed by the ministers, including the European Shipowners and SEA Europe have published a joint statement calling for the strengthening of international competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of the manufacturing sector maritime sector, consisting of shipyards and manufacturers of maritime equipment, through an industrial strategy maritime impact and to maintain a maritime sector internationally competitive European through equality regulatory and fiscal conditions at the international.

In addition, the two associations ask to support the construction sites and European marine equipment manufacturers through financial incentives that drive demand through volunteers, low- and zero-emission ships, retrofits and clean technologies in Europe, and by incentivising investment in the modernization of the production processes of shipyards and marine equipment in order to further improve efficiency.

They therefore underline the importance of introducing binding obligations for the production and production of clean fuels in Europe, in line with the objectives of the Net Zero Industry Act, through the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan.

They also urge to facilitate access to finance, both public and private sectors, for maritime investments to support of the energy and digital transition. Especially- European Shipowners and SEA Europe clarify - the revenues of the EU ETS, both at European and national level, should be better targeted at the energy transition of the maritime sector, but also to support investments in clean fuels, to stimulate demand for ships and technologies and to support the modernisation of shipbuilding and equipment manufacturing processes Maritime. For the two associations, different tools of funding and granting of funds, including banks, guarantees, capital markets and private investors, should facilitate better risk-sharing in innovative and transitional projects.