Brussels, 1 February 2022 – Cruise Lines International Association and SEA Europe have called for shipbuilding and maritime equipment manufacturing, known as the maritime technology industry, to be recognised as an integral part of the “Green Deal Industrial Plan”, which was announced by the European Commission today.
The EU has adopted with the Fit for 55 an ambitious plan to reduce emissions from the waterborne sector. Achieving this plan will rely on significant innovation and investment in new vessels and clean technologies. Europe has a unique opportunity to maintain its position as a global leader in complex shipbuilding, including cruise ship building, and in advanced maritime equipment manufacturing as well as to regain some other market segments. Cruise ship building represents around 80% of the order book of shipyards in Europe. With over 78 cruise ships on order for the next five years, this represents €45 billion direct investment in Europe.
Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General, Europe, CLIA said:
“The shipbuilding industry is at the heart of clean-tech and industrial innovation in Europe and, as such, needs to be recognised and included in the Commission’s strategy. Today, more than 93% of the world’s ocean-going cruise ships are built in Europe. Cruise lines are making significant investments now in partnership with European shipyards and equipment manufacturers equipping ships with the latest technologies including fuel cells, batteries, and new propulsion solutions, driving the innovation that will deliver net zero emission shipping.”
Christophe Tytgat, Secretary General, SEA Europe said:
“Europe’s maritime technology industry is a strategic key enabler of the EU’s political ambitions in terms of defence, European Green Deal, EU Digital Agenda, Blue Economy. Including this industry in the Green Deal Industrial Plan for clean tech and industrial innovation on the road to net zero will have many benefits, not only for the industry’s global competitiveness but also for Europe’s maritime resilience and strategic maritime autonomy”.
The Green Deal Industrial Plan will cover four key pillars: regulatory environment, financing, skills, and trade. The cruise and maritime technology industry is calling on the European Commission to take the following steps:
New propulsion solutions and the use of alternative fuels are amongst the biggest opportunity to decarbonise shipping. CLIA and SEA Europe are therefore calling for the maritime sector to be included in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF) and in EU Fundings.
CLIA and SEA Europe support the proper inclusion of the cruise maritime sector and maritime technology industry, in the Net-Zero Industry Act and the full consideration of the sector in the European and national schemes for renewable energy deployment mechanisms.
Contact: Julie Green, CLIA: [email protected]; + 32 472570169
About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
CLIA is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. On behalf of the industry, together with its members and partners, the organisation supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment, as well as promote positive travel experiences for the more than 30 million passengers who cruise annually. The CLIA community includes the world’s most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports and destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services. The organisation’s global headquarters are in Washington, DC, with regional offices located in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia.
SEA Europe
SEA Europe represents the European shipbuilding industry in 15 nations, encompassing the production, maintenance, repair, retrofit and conversion of all types of ships and floating structures, commercial as well as naval, including the full supply chain with the various producers of maritime systems, equipment material, and services.
For further information please visit www.seaeurope.eu or contact: Christophe Tytgat, Secretary General [email protected]