The Waterborne Technology Platform has welcomed the EU’s Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP), seen as key in facilitating the uptake of sustainable alternative fuels and closely connected to the upcoming industrial maritime and port strategies.
The STIP sets out a roadmap to accelerate the energy transition of aviation and waterborne transport sectors. The STIP identifies investment needs and outlines measures to make better use of existing EU financing programmes in support of the required investments. It introduces measures to support the implementation of the facilitating regulatory framework. Finally, the STIP proposes measures to achieve greater market impact through coordination of support at national level and better international collaboration.
The European waterborne sector is a dynamic ecosystem, featuring a diverse array of public and private stakeholders. These stakeholders include classification societies, shipbuilders, shipowners (both maritime and inland navigation), equipment manufacturers, ports, infrastructure and service providers (e.g. dredging), as well as universities and research institutes. While large enterprises play a key role in the development and innovation in the value chain, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) form the largest part of the EU waterborne sector and play a crucial role in the sector and the broader European economy.
The various stakeholder groups offer a wide range of services, trades and products, with the global fleet categorised by ship types and services based on power requirements and autonomy. These categories include inland waterway transport vessels, ferries, short sea, cruise, intercontinental and offshore ships as well as underwater and unmanned vehicles. There are also distinctions between liner and bulk/tramp shipping and their respective business models, as well as between retrofitting existing vessels and building new ones. Ports are equally important, functioning as multimodal hubs that facilitate the movement of goods and passengers and support a wide range of economic activities, including shipbuilding, maintenance, logistics and energy production.
The STIP underlines the need for various solutions for different categories of ships, including an emphasis on energy-efficiency solutions. Furthermore, the STIP emphasises the role of SMEs as backbone of the sector and the diverging operations and fuel needs within the waterborne sector. It calls for a strategy considering the characteristics of all segments of the waterborne sector.
Jaap Gebraad, Secretary General, Waterborne TP, said: “The Waterborne Technology Platform welcomes the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan. The implementation of zero-emission technologies will only succeed, if sustainable alternative fuels are available worldwide, in sufficient quantities and at competitive prices. Our members are currently working on technology roadmaps, which will consider the different categories of ships, the differences between liner and bulk/tramp shipping, as well as the potential of retrofitting technologies and new builds. These roadmaps will provide input to, amongst others, the future research, development and innovation programme of the EU, as well as to the European Competitiveness Fund, which will be critical for deploying economically viable solutions. It is interesting to note that calls in the framework of the Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) Partnership are included as flagship actions in the STIP. To be able to fulfil the measures laid down in the STIP, and to achieve the objectives of the upcoming industrial maritime and port strategies, public private cooperation modes with all actors of the ecosystem are critical. In terms of research, development and innovation, it is essential to continue the co-programmed ZEWT Partnership with a clear focus on building a resilient, competitive and sustainable waterborne sector. Co-Programmed Partnerships have lean structures and are catalysts of private investments. We are looking forward to shaping the content of Horizon Europe, the ECF and the upcoming strategies, jointly with the European Commission Services and Members States with a view to ensuring a flourishing future of the European waterborne sector.”
