SEA Europe representing European shipyards and maritime equipment manufacturers, has announced that Vincent Guerre, Director for Trade and Competitiveness, has been appointed as the coordinator for the shipbuilding industry within the EU Energy Transition Partnership for Fisheries and Aquaculture. The initiative, backed by the European Commission, aims to decarbonize the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, enhancing sustainability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The partnership includes coordinators from key sectors, including fisheries, aquaculture, and shipbuilding, who will work together to gather recommendations and best practices. Danish Maritime encourages the partnership to collaborate with vessel designers, shipyards, and technology developers to support the European Commission’s efforts in creating a comprehensive roadmap for climate-neutral operations in the industry.

In Denmark the importance of this partnership is underlined by the fact that the Danish fisheries are included in the Danish CO₂-tax. A primary issue is the industry’s reliance on diesel fuel, with no viable alternatives currently available. The CO₂ tax is intended to promote a green transition; however, without accessible and sustainable energy sources and green technologies, the tax may inadvertently force many fishermen out of business, the fisheries industry warns. We hope this partnership can help promote energy efficient technologies and climate neutral propulsion for the fisheries sector.

Today marked the ending of the International Market Forecast Expert Meeting (ISFEM) in Jeju, Korea, where market experts from China, Japan, Korea and Europe met to discuss future expectations for the shipbuilding industry. Each of the regions had prepared forecasts for the newbuilding demand for different shiptypes until 2040, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that the shiptypes are facing.

Exchanging regional views on the future of shipbuilding is an important exercise for improving our understanding of the future newbuilding requirement. All in all, the discussions have shown a highly positive outlook for the maritime industry, as newbuilding demand increases in the context of environmental legislation and fleet renewal. With the maritime economy globally pushing to go green, the Danish maritime industry is uniquely positioned to take advantage of these opportunities.

Danish Maritime is actively engaged in SEA Europe’s efforts to address key concerns highlighted in the European Parliament’s recent adoption of the report “Building a Comprehensive European Port Strategy.”

The report acknowledges the strategic importance of Europe’s waterborne ecosystem, citing shipbuilding and maritime equipment manufacturing as crucial drivers of the European economy. Danish Maritime and SEA Europe welcomes the EP’s commitment to protecting the economic independence of the EU’s waterborne ecosystem, especially in the face of increased Chinese investments in European maritime infrastructure.

The report underscores the growing significance of safeguarding critical infrastructure at sea and underwater, including energy pipelines, communication networks, and offshore renewable energy facilities. SEA Europe urges the European Union to harmonize measures for the resilience and protection of these critical infrastructures, ensuring the safety and security of EU waters and operations.

Additionally, the report recognizes the necessity for EU measures against unfair competitive practices from Asia, posing a risk to the EU’s economic security. In the maritime technology sector, Europe’s heavy reliance on Asian shipbuilding has led to a loss of shipbuilding markets and a threat to the region’s technological sovereignty.

Danish Maritime and SEA Europe looks forward to the European Commission taking urgent and proactive steps to address the waterborne sector’s needs, translating the EP’s recommendations into tangible policy actions for the sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience of Europe’s maritime industry.