On July 28, FEPORT submitted its contribution to the Call for Evidence on the Maritime Industrial Strategy.
FEPORT reply underlined the need of maintaining a strong maritime technology industrial base in the EU as this is also indispensable for the functioning of port ecosystems as well as maritime and hinterland logistics chains.
Most importantly, it is key to strengthen the EU’s industrial base for port equipment as it should be prevented that, similar to the current dependencies in maritime technology, Europe will depend on third parties for the needed advances in the digitalisation, modernisation and greening of port operations.
To achieve this, FEPORT reply contained a number of recommendations related to safeguarding the competitiveness of EU ports. The impacts of FuelEU and ETS Maritime, for example, should be carefully monitored and targeted anti-evasion measures should be adopted in case a rerouting of shipping calls is indeed established.
In addition, policy should support the business case for green and innovative port equipment. Taxation and EU funding should be leveraged to achieve this, but at the same time, it is important to provide the right framework conditions by investing in grid capacity and by laying down clear rules regarding sustainable finance.
Last but not least, mirroring FEPORT’s contribution to the EU Ports Strategy, the paper underscored the need for a State Aid Framework for Ports which is indispensable to allow ports and terminals to play their part in the green and strategic transitions the Union is currently going through.
FEPORT reply can be accessed here.
