The German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) considers the European Maritime Industrial Strategy presented today by the European Commission an important signal recognising the strategic importance of shipping for Europe. The strategy underlines the central role of European shipping for Europe’s economy, security of supply and its strategic autonomy, while also emphasising the importance of internationally competitive framework conditions for the sector.
VDR explicitly welcomes that the strategy rejects protectionist measures and instead emphasises open markets and targeted investment. In doing so, the European Commission addresses a key demand of the shipping industry. A competitive European shipping sector depends on open markets and fair international competition.
At the same time, VDR notes with critical attention that the strategy proposes to assess new sector-specific instruments and potential adjustments to the EU’s trade policy toolbox. It will be crucial to ensure that this does not lead to indirect market closures or discriminatory access conditions for European markets. For a globally operating sector such as shipping, open and non-discriminatory framework conditions remain essential.
The association also views positively that the strategy continues to prioritise the decarbonisation of shipping. For the transformation to succeed, it is essential that climate measures do not undermine the international competitiveness of European shipping companies and are supported by targeted investment. Revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) should therefore be used to support the uptake of clean fuels and investments needed for the transition of shipping towards climate neutrality.
The strategy also highlights the importance of qualification and training of maritime professionals. Maritime know-how in Europe must be preserved and further strengthened in order to secure the long-term competitiveness of European shipping.
As a global sector, shipping also relies on internationally agreed rules to ensure a level playing field. European measures should therefore remain transitional and be withdrawn once global agreements are adopted at the International Maritime Organization.
The European fleet represents around 35 percent of the global merchant fleet. More than 75 percent of the EU’s external trade is transported by sea. The shipping sector employs around 640,000 people across the EU, both at sea and ashore. Germany is among the leading shipping nations, with around 60,000 seafarers working on vessels owned or managed by German shipping companies.
About the German Shipowners’ Association
The German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) represents the common economic and socio-political interests of German shipping companies at federal and state level as well as vis-à-vis European and international bodies. The VDR was founded in 1907 and merged with the Association of German Coastal Shipowners in 1994. With around 200 members, the VDR represents the largest part of the German merchant fleet. More information at www.reederverband.de/en.
