EU Ministers Sign Non-Protectionist Maritime Strategy Declaration

EU ministers signed the Szczecin Declaration on the EU maritime industrial strategy during the 11th International Maritime Congress in Poland last week.

European Shipowners have welcomed the move, saying that at a time of rising protectionism across the world, the Declaration sends a strong signal that Europe does not need protectionist measures, but investments to bridge the innovation gap and to make the maritime industrial cluster more competitive.

European shipowners strongly support the Declaration’s recognition of the strategic role of European shipping for the continent’s energy, food and supply chain security.

The Declaration highlights the need to safeguard the international competitiveness of European shipping through a level playing field and a fit-for-purpose regulatory and taxation framework. It also underlines the importance of international conventions such as those agreed in ILO and IMO.

Member States call for regulatory action on fuel supply, recognizing that decarbonization depends on the contribution of fuel producers and suppliers. European Shipowners consider the introduction of a binding mandate on suppliers to produce and make available the fuels necessary for the energy transition of shipping to be important.

In addition, the Declaration suggests concrete measures to de-risk investment in clean fuels in Europe under the upcoming Sustainable