Waterborne logistics supply chains are key to EU competitiveness

Seventeen industry organizations published a joint paper on 24 March to welcome the upcoming maritime and port strategies and emphasize the workers’ perspective.

As stated, the waterborne ecosystem is a dynamic, multifaceted industry comprising a diverse spectrum of public and private stakeholders. As a cornerstone of the European economy, the sector facilitates nearly 90% of the EU’s international trade, accounting for 81% of external trade and 40% of internal trade.

It is also a key driver of employment and economic growth, providing 4.2 million direct jobs and contributing approximately €500 billion annually to the EU’s Gross Domestic Product.

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This ecosystem is fundamental to reinforcing the EU’s resilience across trade, security, defence, energy supply, and sustainability. To maintain its global leadership, the sector continues to invest in innovation, green and digital transformation, and supply chain efficiency. However, achieving these ambitions necessitates a fully integrated transport and logistics ecosystem, encompassing maritime and land transport, terminals, and supporting logistics services.

In addition, labour shortages threaten the effectiveness and competitiveness of the sector. Good working conditions not only attract investment in innovation but also reinforce the efforts of responsible firms. Signatories therefore call for the upcoming European strategies to include a strong social and labour dimension, developed in cooperation with social partners, and aligned with the upcoming Quality Jobs Roadmap.

Measures must promote high-quality employment, strengthen social dialogue, and enhance training and upskilling opportunities for workers.

We urge policymakers to incorporate these priorities into the EU’s broader industrial, transport and sustainability agenda, ensuring that the waterborne ecosystem remains innovative, resilient, and competitive.

…the organizations state.

The joint position paper outlines eight key pillars that the signatories advocate for:

Ecosystem Approach
Resilience and Preparedness for potential disruption
Multimodal Connectivity and Infrastructure
Ensuring a Competitive, Predictable, and Fair Economic Environment
Innovation as a Driver of Competitiveness, Sustainability and Resilience
Adequate and Accessible Funding
Supporting Industry leaders and SMEs
Protecting and promoting quality jobs within the waterborne sector

The organizations include: COCERAL, CER, CLECAT, FEPORT, ERFA, ESPO, WATERBORNE, INE, EBU, ETF, ESC, ECASBA, EMPA, UNISTOCK, ETA, EuDA, TIC 4.0

Aknowledging that seafarers, R&D experts, dockers, port workers, port service providers and those in associated logistics form the backbone of the industry, the joint statement highlights that it is essential upcoming European strategies to include a strong social and labour dimension, developed in cooperation with social partners, and aligned with the upcoming Quality Jobs Roadmap. Measures must promote high-quality employment, strengthen social dialogue, and enhance training and upskilling opportunities for workers.

In an recent interview to SAFETY4SEA, Jaap Gebraad, Secretary General of the Waterborne Technology Platform (WTP), emphasized the importance of improved communication within the waterborne sector. ”The industry has already taken quite some initiatives, and it will be essential that future European initiatives combine the development of technologies with measures to support deployment, including skills development.” Jaap highlighted.