Maritime Transport Strategy 2018

The Maritime Transport Strategy identifies key areas where action by the European Union can strengthen the competitiveness of the sector while enhancing its environmental performance.

January 2009

Commission Communication: Strategic goals and recommendations for the EU’s maritime transport policy until 2018, COM (2009) 8

In this Communication the Commission presents the main strategic objectives for the European maritime transport system up to 2018. While it looks at the long term (10-years) horizon, the current economic context and the characteristics of shipping market cycles have been taken into account.

The Communication itself is divided into six chapters: (i.) shipping trends & business conditions, (ii.) human resources, (iii.) quality shipping, (iv.) international scene, (v.) short-sea shipping and (vi.) research and innovation.

It is set in the broader context of the EU Transport Policy, but also aims at supporting other relevant policies, in particular the EU’s integrated maritime policy.In broad terms, the strategic goals and recommendations of the Commission Communication refer to two main issues:

• The ability of the maritime transport sector to provide cost-efficient maritime transport services adapted to the needs of sustainable economic growth of the EU and world economies and
• The long-term competitiveness of the EU shipping sector, enhancing its capacity to generate value and employment in the EU, both directly and indirectly, through the whole cluster of maritime industries.

Source: European Commission