The European Commission has introduced two major policy initiatives designed to strengthen Europe’s maritime economy and modernize its ports as the region works to improve competitiveness, reinforce security, and accelerate the shipping industry’s transition toward cleaner energy.

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The new plans—the EU Industrial Maritime Strategy and the EU Ports Strategy—focus on key sectors of the maritime economy, including shipbuilding, commercial shipping, and port infrastructure. Together, the initiatives aim to reinforce Europe’s leadership in advanced shipbuilding while addressing rising geopolitical tensions, security concerns, and the growing global push for decarbonization.

According to Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Europe’s maritime industries play a vital role in maintaining economic strength and strategic independence.

“Europe’s maritime manufacturing and shipping industries are fundamental to our sovereignty,” Séjourné said, noting that the strategy is intended to expand manufacturing capacity while reinforcing “Made in EU” leadership in specialized vessel segments, technologies, and innovation.

Europe remains a dominant force in global maritime services, accounting for more than one-third of worldwide shipping tonnage. Meanwhile, EU ports handle roughly 74% of the bloc’s external trade, processing more than 3.4 billion tonnes of cargo and nearly 395 million passengers each year.

Under the Industrial Maritime Strategy, the Commission plans to strengthen the region’s maritime manufacturing ecosystem through several initiatives. These include the creation of an EU Industrial Maritime Value Chains Alliance and support for emerging technologies such as advanced shipbuilding techniques, offshore wind service vessels, underwater drones, and next-generation port equipment.

The Commission also plans to launch a “Shipyards of the Future” research initiative through the Horizon Europe program to test new shipyard technologies and accelerate digitalization across the maritime sector. The strategy also recognizes the sector’s dual civilian and defense role, proposing measures to expand naval industrial capacity and support the development of dual-use vessels.

Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, said the strategies are designed to strengthen industries that are essential to Europe’s economic resilience.

“Ports, maritime manufacturing and shipping are essential for the European Union’s competitiveness, security and cohesion,” Fitto said, adding that the policies provide a comprehensive approach to supporting the workforce and strengthening maritime supply chains.

The Commission also plans to work with member states to improve the competitiveness of European shipping. This includes encouraging the use of EU flags and simplifying regulatory frameworks such as EU ETS Maritime and FuelEU Maritime.

Alongside the industrial plan, the EU Ports Strategy focuses on transforming Europe’s ports into secure, digitally connected, and energy-efficient logistics hubs.

Ports are increasingly important to Europe’s energy supply chains, defense infrastructure, and industrial economy. They are also emerging as key platforms for new industries such as offshore renewable energy and hydrogen logistics.

Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, warned that ports are increasingly targeted by organized crime and trafficking networks, highlighting the need for stronger security measures.

The Ports Strategy proposes stricter background checks for port workers, increased cooperation with international partners, and enhanced intelligence sharing through the EU Ports Alliance. The Commission has already mobilized €200 million to upgrade customs scanning and container inspection systems at major ports, with plans to extend the technology to smaller facilities.

The initiative also supports the maritime sector’s energy transition by expanding shore power infrastructure, electrifying port operations, and accelerating the development of renewable fuel supply networks.

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, said the strategies aim to ensure Europe remains a global leader in maritime trade and clean shipping.

Industry groups have largely welcomed the announcement. The World Shipping Council praised the focus on security and decarbonization but urged policymakers to further simplify administrative procedures for shipping companies operating within the EU.

The organization noted that vessels calling at European ports can currently be required to submit up to 1,200 separate data elements during a single port call. According to industry estimates, full implementation of the EU Maritime Single Window could save between 2.2 and 2.5 million staff hours annually.

To oversee the rollout of the initiatives, the Commission plans to establish a high-level Maritime Industries and Ports Board that will coordinate policy implementation across member states and industry stakeholders.

The strategies were developed following extensive consultations with port authorities and maritime industry leaders throughout 2025 and form part of the EU’s broader competitiveness agenda and the emerging European Ocean Pact, which aims to strengthen Europe’s role in the global maritime economy.