EU Drafts ‘Made In EU’ Plan To Strengthen Domestic Shipbuilding

The European Commission is preparing to propose new measures aimed at increasing the use of vessels, equipment and services made within the European Union.

According to a draft document, the Commission plans to present the “Made in EU” proposals during the second week of February, with formal details expected on February 10.

The measures are intended to encourage greater use of EU-built ships while improving sustainability, security and competitiveness across the maritime industry.

The draft document states that public authorities purchasing ships or maritime equipment will be encouraged to consider factors beyond price when choosing suppliers.

These include sustainability and whether the vessels or equipment are manufactured in the EU.

The Commission believes this could help boost production of ferries, research vessels, icebreakers and tugs at European shipyards.

In the private sector, demand for EU-manufactured vessels could be supported by improving ship owners’ access to financing.

The draft indicates that the European Investment Bank may play a role in providing or facilitating such funding.

The “Made in EU” proposals are due to be presented next week, ahead of a plan by the EU executive to prioritise locally manufactured products across various industries. That initiative has divided EU member states.

The Commission sees these steps as necessary to boost the bloc’s overall competitiveness. The EU’s plans follow similar efforts in the United States, where reviving domestic shipbuilding has become a stated priority.

Under President Donald Trump, the US administration has focused on expanding shipyard capacity, increasing vessel construction and strengthening maritime supply chains as part of industrial and national security goals, while seeking to compete more effectively with global rivals such as China.

Reference: Reuters

Source: Maritime Shipping News