Joint Declaration shows how Europe can lead the way in technology development and maritime excellence.
Cruise lines, shipyards and marine equipment manufacturers have issued a Joint Declaration calling on the European Commission and European governments to include cruise ship building and the maritime technology sector in the forthcoming Net Zero Industry Act.
The Joint Declaration, announced at CLIA’s 2023 European Summit, calls for:
Launching the Joint Declaration, CLIA Chairman, Mr Pierfrancesco Vago said: “Cruise lines don’t just provide one of the most popular holiday options for consumers today, but they are also already partnering with shipyards and maritime technology providers to achieve net zero cruising by 2050. Pilot projects are underway to test new fuels and propulsion solutions such as batteries, fuel cell technology, advanced biofuels, and synthetic fuels. It is now time for European policy makers and governments to partner with the maritime technology sector. Europe has an opportunity to lead the way in technology development and maritime excellence for the benefit of future generations.”
Mr Pierfrancesco Vago, CLIA Chairman
“The building of cruise ships and the integration of advanced equipment and technology onboard such ships is very complex and illustrates the maritime industrial capabilities and know-how of Europe’s shipyards and maritime equipment industry. These capabilities and know-how will not only be crucial to achieve the European Green Deal objectives but also to enable Europe to meet other political objectives such as in terms of defence, blue economy, or energy transition, as well as to safeguard Europe’s maritime strategic autonomy” underlined René Berkvens, SEA Europe’s Chairman.
With its Fit for 55 package and now the Green Deal Industrial Plan, Europe is on a clear and ambitious path to combat climate change and become a carbon neutral continent. Sea Europe and CLIA members started charting a course in this direction several years ago, producing more energy-efficient vessels, using new types of fuels, and equipping vessels with shoreside electricity connection. As the industry looks to the future, CLIA and Sea Europe remain fully committed to the EU long-term objectives.
Powering Europe’s green industrial revolution
The cruise industry generates significant economic impact to European economies. More than 93% of the world’s ocean-going cruise lines are built in European shipyards, and cruise ship building represents around 80% of the order book of shipyards. With 62 cruise ships on order for the next five years, this represents more than €40 billion direct investment in Europe.
According to new CLIA data, released during the Summit, the cruise sector generated €41bn economic impact in Europe during 2021 despite drastically reduced passenger volumes due to pandemic restrictions. The sector also supported 315,000 jobs in Europe during this challenging time. The strength of the European shipbuilding sector and its ties with the global cruise industry was key to maintaining robust levels of social and economic impact in Europe.
Ends
Click here to read the full CLIA & SEA Europe Joint Declaration.
Contacts: CLIA – Philomene Bouchon at [email protected] or Julie Green at [email protected]
About the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
CLIA is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice for the industry as the leading authority of the global cruise community. On behalf of its members, affiliates and partners, the organization supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for the more than 30 million passengers who have cruised 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 a widespread network of stakeholders, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services. For further information, please visit cruising.org or europe.cruising.org
About 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]