SEA Europe urges the European Commission to uphold European added value condition for maritime decarbonisation funding

SEA Europe, representing European shipyards and maritime equipment manufacturers,
calls on the European Commission to maintain the European added value condition for the
upcoming call of the European Innovation Fund dedicated to maritime decarbonisation.
According to this requirement, first introduced in the 2023 funding call, financial support
to shipyards for projects involving ship construction or refurbishment is only accessible to
shipyards based in EU Member States, Norway, or Iceland.

The Innovation Fund plays a pivotal role in accelerating maritime decarbonisation efforts,
supporting the development and scaling of cutting-edge technologies spearheaded by
European shipyards and equipment manufacturers. With European taxpayers funding
these initiatives, SEA Europe emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the full spectrum of
Europe’s maritime cluster – including shipowners, ports, alternative fuel suppliers,
shipyards, and technology developers – to create synergies and develop viable business
cases that benefit the entire ecosystem.

In line with the goals set out for the upcoming European Industrial Strategy announced by
the European Commission, SEA Europe stresses the need for the Innovation Fund to
enhance the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of Europe’s maritime
manufacturing sector.

Christophe Tytgat, Secretary General of SEA Europe, highlighted: “European public
funding must deliver tangible benefits to Europe. Our shipyards and maritime equipment
manufacturers are essential to the decarbonisation of Europe’s maritime sector. Yet, they
face intense competition from Asia, where shipbuilding dominance is a strategic priority,
linked to geopolitical influence. To keep pace, safeguard our technological expertise, and
revitalize industrial capabilities, the European shipbuilding value chain requires robust EU
backing. Turning the European Innovation Fund into an unintended windfall for Asian
shipbuilders would be a grave strategic mistake.”

SEA Europe strongly advocates for a balanced distribution of support across the maritime
sector, reinforcing the strategic importance of retaining key technologies and industrial
capabilities within Europe.