European Parliament report on port strategy highlights the growing significance of safeguarding critical infrastructure at sea and underwater

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.