1 minute read / March 5, 2026
The European Commission adopted a “EU Industrial Maritime Strategy and Ports Strategy” to drive competitiveness, sustainability, decarbonisation, security and resilience within the EU’s wider waterborne sector. The Strategies focus on ports, shipping, and shipbuilding.
Europe is a waterborne continent, with the world’s largest collective maritime area. Its maritime manufacturing sector is a global leader in high-end shipbuilding and advanced technologies. The shipping sector is also a leading provider of maritime services worldwide, accounting for more than one third of global shipping tonnage across all segments.
EU Industrial Maritime Strategy boosts jobs, innovation and the EU’s global leadership in shipbuilding and shipping.
Ports are the backbone of Europe’s economy. They facilitate around 74% of external trade, handling more than 3.4 billion tonnes of goods and nearly 395 million passengers each year.
The EU’s ports are already evolving beyond their traditional roles, serving as hubs for new industry and innovation clusters. They also play a pivotal part in the EU’s energy supply, security, defence and blue economy.
To advance EU ports’ clean energy transition, the Strategy presents measures promoting electrification and improved grid connection. It will also set out a roadmap for competitive small and medium-sized ports.
