The EU activates new maritime strategies to safeguard its industrial and logistical sovereignty

 

La Comisión Europea has launched the new Maritime Industrial Strategy of the UE and Port Strategy, a regulatory framework designed to ensure the resilience and leadership of the European aquatic sector in a highly competitive global environment.

 

Boost to shipbuilding and industrial sovereignty

 

Europe is consolidating itself as a world reference in high-end marine manufacturing. The new strategy seeks to reinforce this leadership by creating the Alliance of Maritime Industrial Value Chains UEThis initiative will prioritize the development of offshore wind support vessels, underwater drones, and state-of-the-art port equipment.

 

One of the fundamental pillars will be the call for applications "Shipyards of the future", framed within the program Horizonte Europawhich will allow testing technological solutions in real-world environments. Furthermore, the Comisión will promote the use of the pavilions of the UE and the simplification of administrative procedures related to RCDE UE Marítimo y FuelEU Marítimo.

 

The strategy also includes a strong military dimension dual-use, with plans to increase naval production capacity and create a support mechanism for the construction of ferries that serve both civil and defense purposes.

 

Ports: Critical infrastructure and border security

 

European ports handle 74% of the Union's foreign trade, moving more than 3.400 billion tons of goods annually. To protect this strategic asset, the Comisión Europea will develop strict guidelines on the foreign ownership of ports and will oversee infrastructure investments in third countries.

 

In the field of security, and under the umbrella of the Ports Alliance of the UESurveillance against drug trafficking and cybersecurity threats will be strengthened. Background checks will be implemented for dockworkers and port employees, in addition to risk assessments at ports outside EU borders.

 

Key Indicator	Data / Impact
managed foreign trade	74% of the total UE
Annual merchandise volume	3.400 billion tons
Passenger flow	395 billion a year
World tonnage share	> 33% (Maritime transport of the UE)
Investment in Innovation	Program Horizonte Europa ("Shipyards of the future")

 

Sustainability and Fair Competition

 

To ensure a fair global competition, the UE It will strengthen export financing and explore sector-specific trade tools. The transition to clean energy will be another priority, promoting electrification and grid connection in port facilities.

 

The main lines of action include:

 

• Inclusion of non-price criteria in public procurement to favor decarbonization.
• Professional retraining of seafarers and shipyard workers for use in green technologies.
• Creating a specific roadmap for small and medium-sized ports.
• Establishment of a Board of Maritime Industries and Ports high-level personnel to oversee the implementation of these policies.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the Maritime Strategy

 

What is the Maritime Industrial Value Chains Alliance?

It is a new platform powered by the Comisión Europea to foster collaboration in advanced shipbuilding, ranging from wind energy vessels to high-tech underwater drones.

 

How will ports be protected from uncontrolled foreign investment?

La Comisión will issue clear guidelines on foreign ownership of port infrastructure UE and will analyze the impact of EU funding on ports in third countries to avoid competitive asymmetries.

 

What measures will be implemented to improve port security?

Legislation to combat organized crime and drug trafficking will be strengthened, including background checks on personnel, cybersecurity assessments and greater coordination between the authorities of the Member States.