Source: European Parliament
Trade distortions in the global shipbuilding sector are a long-standing concern for the EU. The Commission closely monitors the situation of the world shipbuilding market, including in the context of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Shipbuilding Committee’s work to monitor and analyse policy and market developments in non-Shipbuilding Committee economies.
Reports in this area demonstrate the rapid growth of the Chinese shipbuilding industry in recent years and the high number of support measures it has benefitted from.
The EU is ready to address unfair trading practices where the facts justify it and in full respect of its international and internal legal obligations and remains committed to preserve the EU shipbuilding sector’s global competitiveness.
The Commission will develop an Industrial Maritime Strategy to enhance the competitiveness, resilience and sustainability of Europe’s maritime manufacturing sector, including shipbuilding, ship repair and conversion and equipment production.
The Commission recognises the potential and responsibility of shipbuilding industries to drive the twin transitions, support Europe’s industrial competitiveness and improve connectivity[1].
In this context, the Commission has taken good note of the recommendations in the Mobility Transition Pathway[2] to regain sustainable competitiveness in strategic segments, including short sea shipping and inland navigation, and the Draghi report[3] to maintain the current industrial base (more complex and value added), regain production leadership in ferries, energy transport and research vessels, and gain global leadership in emerging blue growth markets.
- [1] Communication COM/2020/102: A New Industrial Strategy for Europe (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0102).
- [2] Transition pathway for the EU mobility industrial ecosystem (2024) (https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/57674).
- [3] The Draghi report on EU competitiveness (2024) (https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/draghi-report_en).