EU study calls for a holistic approach to European shipbuilding
An EU sponsored study says that only a clear targeted EU shipbuilding policy with a unified approach will help Europe keep up with competition from Asia.
The study ‘New Trends in Globalisation in Shipbuilding and Marine Supplies – Consequences for European Industrial and Trade Policy’, found that individual shipbuilding nations in Europe were struggling to keep up with Asian countries, where countries have a targeted national shipbuilding strategy.
“This study clearly demonstrates that notwithstanding the current good shape of the European orderbook in value terms, the maritime technology industry in Europe cannot feel safe or be complacent,” said Christophe Tytgat, secretary general, SEA Europe.
“It clearly acknowledges that European shipyards or European maritime equipment manufacturers will come under severe pressure over time, due to growing protectionist policies or with China preparing to enter the high-tech ships market sector as a political objective.”
Vital contribution
A strong European maritime technology sector will continue to provide a vital contribution to the European economy, European employment and society at large and will also help to guarantee the defence and security of Europe and its citizens, Mr Tytgat said.
The study also finds that the European (EU 28) maritime technology industry is the leading global region in terms of aggregated production value, with a calculated value of €112.5 billion. The position is even stronger, if Norway and Turkey are added to the group.
Finally, the study also recognises the strategic dimension of the European maritime technology sector by underlining the need to keep the control of the maritime domain to guarantee the defence and security of Europe and its citizens.
By Anne-Marie Causer
Related Articles
MARINE CONSTRUCTION
POWER & PROPULSION
ENVIRONMENT