Industry reacts as EU launches landmark maritime strategy
Philip Easthill, secretary-general of the European Boating Industry
European Boating Industry (EBI) has responded to the launch of the European Commission’s first EU Industrial Maritime Strategy, which outlines measures intended to support maritime manufacturing, innovation and sustainability across the sector.
The EU Industrial Maritime Strategy, published on 5 March 2026, highlights the strategic importance of maritime manufacturing and confirms Europe’s strong position in technologically advanced maritime manufacturing segments, highlighting recreational craft and yachts, clean propulsion and refit, where European industry holds global leadership.
The initiative addresses a range of maritime industries, including recreational boats and yachts, propulsion systems, equipment manufacturing and refit activities.
The European Commission states that Europe ‘is still a global leader in some of the most technologically sophisticated ship types … including yachts and recreational craft, clean propulsion systems and advanced equipment’, and highlights the role of the sector within the wider maritime industrial base. It further observes that ‘subsegments, such as … nautical tourism, have an important innovation potential to enhance their sustainability.’
EBI represents the recreational boating sector in Europe, including boatbuilding companies, equipment manufacturers, marinas and service providers.
Philip Easthill, secretary-general of EBI, says: “We strongly welcome the EU Industrial Maritime Strategy and the recognition of Europe’s leadership in recreational craft and yachts as well as across the entire ecosystem. Europe’s boating industry is a European success story, driven by innovation, high-quality manufacturing supported by thousands of SMEs and jobs across the continent.
A step-change for the recreational boating industry
“It is great to see the first-ever EU strategy for the maritime industry come forward, which is a step-change for the recreational boating industry. The strategy sends a clear signal that Europe values the maritime industries and is committed to supporting the competitiveness, sustainability and technological leadership of the recreational boating sector.
“EBI looks forward to taking the lead in the next months and years as the strategy is implemented, including in the EU Industrial Maritime Value Chains Alliance being set up under the strategy.”
The strategy includes measures intended to support innovation, supply chain development and access to finance within maritime manufacturing. It also references infrastructure for alternative fuels in marinas and the development of clean technologies relevant to recreational boating.
In addition, the document refers to circular economy initiatives connected with recreational vessels. It commits to the roadmap addressing end-of-life recreational boats developed by EBI together with the European Commission, which examines approaches to recycling and disposal as vessels reach the end of their operational lifespan.
Ferry industry ‘strongly endorses’ strategy
Interferry, the global voice of the ferry industry, also strongly endorsed the European Commission’s launch of the Industrial Maritime Strategy.
The strategy notes that the maritime industry faces annual financing needs for fleet decarbonisation estimated between €2.4 and €8.5bn. Interferry says it is pleased that the commission is responding to its calls to use a significant portion of the approximately €10bn in annual Emissions Trading System (ETS) collections to support the uptake of clean technologies.
Johan Roos, Interferry’s director of regulatory affairs, welcomed the strategy’s direction: “The commission is moving in the right direction by recommending that ETS funds be used exactly where they are collected: in maritime decarbonisation. However, we must warn that funding must target the existing industry and fleet to its full extent and should not be restricted only to prestigious projects without broad impact.
“We know what we need to do to decarbonise and what helps us is practical support, whether for onshore power supply, electrification or alternative fuels.”
Regulatory considerations being evaluated
The European Commission indicates that the ongoing evaluation of the Recreational Craft Directive will review the regulatory framework for emerging propulsion technologies and new types of watercraft. The assessment will examine how existing legislation supports technological development and environmental objectives within the sector.
The strategy also references the role of nautical tourism within the broader maritime and tourism ecosystem. According to the document, the forthcoming EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy will address tourism sectors that include boating activities and coastal tourism, with the aim of supporting sustainable growth in regional and coastal economies.
