The Waterborne Technology Platform welcomes the new approach for a sustainable blue economy in the EU

On 17 May, the European Commission proposed a new approach for a sustainable blue economy, essential to achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal and ensuring a green and inclusive recovery from the pandemic.

The communication underlines that all blue economy sectors including fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, maritime transport, port activities and shipbuilding will have to reduce their environmental and climate impact. Tackling the climate and biodiversity crises requires healthy seas and a sustainable use of their resources to create alternatives to fossil fuels and traditional food production. This, in accordance with the communication, requires investing in innovative technologies.

The Communication sets out a detailed agenda for the blue economy to 1) achieve the objectives of climate neutrality and zero pollution; 2) switch to a circular economy and reduce pollution; 3) preserve biodiversity and invest in nature; 4) support climate adaptation and coastal resilience; 5) ensure sustainable food production; and 6) improve management of space at sea. All topics are in line with the missions and visions of the Waterborne Technology Platform.

In a first reaction, the Chairman of the Waterborne Technology Platform, Henk Prins, said “The communication published by the European Commission clearly supports the missions and visions of the Waterborne Technology Platform, as published in January 2019. The approach underpins the need for research, development and innovation for and by the European waterborne sector. The Waterborne Technology Platform is focussing on a various range of topics regarding Blue Growth and Ports and Logistics, which are linked to achieving the objectives laid down in the Communication. Amongst these topics are: seas and oceans for CO2 neutrality, sustainable use and management of marine resources (including offshore aquaculture, deep-sea mining and planning and managing sea use) as well as persistent monitoring and digitalisation of seas and oceans. In addition, the co-Programmed Partnership on Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport in the framework of Horizon Europe will significantly contribute to these objectives as well. Since the Waterborne TP, and the Partnership, are not only focussed on eliminating GHG emissions, but also all other forms of pollution to air and water (including underwater noise). Thereby, the Waterborne Technology Platform is committed to develop and demonstrate solutions, which will ensure the achievement of the objectives laid down”.

WATERBORNE TP WATERBORNE TP has been set up as an industry-oriented Technology Platform to establish a continuous dialogue between all waterborne stakeholders, such as classification societies, shipbuilders, shipowners, maritime equipment manufacturers, infrastructure and service providers, universities or research institutes, and with the EU Institutions, including Member States (www.waterborne.eu). The members of waterborne TP comprise members as well as associated members from both maritime and inland navigation countries, representing about 17 Member States. In addition, the Associations member of the Waterborne Technology Platform represent the broader waterborne sector throughout the entire EU.
Enquiries concerning how to join and become more closely involved in the “Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport” partnership or other activities of the Waterborne TP can be sent to: Jaap Gebraad, Executive-director Waterborne TP, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., tel: +32 493 835 626