European maritime transport strategy

During 2008, the European Commission has been involved in the preparation of a commission document regarding Europe’s maritime transport strategy 2008-2018. Its purpose was to present the primary strategic objectives for the European maritime transport system until 2018, and to determine in which essential areas the European Union will have to intervene in order to reinforce the industry’s competitive potential whilst at the same time improving its environmental performance.
To that end the European Commission has consulted a selection of experts with years of experience within the shipping industry, as well as the member states’ various relevant ministerial departments. The report in question was published in January 2009.
Aspects of the report are the European shipping industry’s competitive position in globalised markets, personnel, seamanship and maritime know-how, the quality of the shipping industry as a competitive advantage, international cooperation, the utilisation of short sea shipping’s potential and Europe as a world leader in maritime research and innovation. Through the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management as well as the European Community Shipowners’ Association, the KVNR is closely involved in this issue.