The European Council has published its Conclusions on the Industrial Maritime Strategy and the EU Ports Strategy, which were presented by the European Commission earlier this year.

In the Conclusions the Member States “recognise the great potential of the maritime manufacturing and shipping industries as strategic sectors for Europe’s autonomy, resilience, defence, economic security, prosperity, dec­ar­bo­ni­sa­tion and the sustainable use of resources.”

“I’m obviously very content, that the Council once again states that shipping is a strategically important European industry. I am also very pleased that the Council Conclusions – just like the European Commission’s original strategies – endorse a green and com­pe­ti­ti­ve­ness-oriented, non-protectionist direction for the European maritime cluster. This is precisely the right way forward. And something that has been crucial for Danish Shipping these many months, where we have been very busy working on these strategies”, said Anna Vejlby Ib, Head of Danish Shipping’s EU-representation.

Sustainability and dec­ar­bo­ni­sa­tion are important European and global issues. And it is encouraging that the 27 member states agree on the importance of reaching an agreement on climate regulation of the global shipping industry in the IMO. It is also significant that the Conclusions mention the need for upscaling the production of alternative, greener fuels.

“Competitive framework conditions are key for our industry. We need global climate regulation that ensures a level playing field while driving the dec­ar­bo­ni­sa­tion of the shipping industry. It’s very important that the Council confirms European commitment to this. It is also very significant that the Council explicitly supports the Maritime State Aid Guidelines, which is crucial for the com­pe­ti­ti­ve­ness of the European shipping industry,” said Anna Vejlby Ib.

In a few weeks’ time the Commission is expected to present its review of the EU ETS, where one of the key objectives will be to ensure upscaling of green fuels and a competitive green transition for shipping.

“With the ETS review coming up, maritime issues will be high on the EU agenda for months to come. For Danish Shipping it’s crucial to ensure that there will be no double payments for the same emissions for EU-flagged vessels after an IMO agreement is in place. We fully support climate regulation of the shipping industry – but we should only have to pay for the same emissions once. And I’m happy to see that both strategies and the Council Conclusions share our outlook,” said Anna Vejlby Ib.

Read more about the Council Conclusions here and here.