Waterborne Technology Platform has called for a dedicated co-programmed partnership as an essential building block of the upcoming industrial waterborne and port strategies.
Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) form the largest part of the EU waterborne sector and play a crucial role in the sector and the broader European economy, the Waterborne Technology Platform highlights on its statement.
Digitalisation and sustainability (including circularity) are of key importance to enhance resilience and competitiveness of the European waterborne sector. Competitiveness implies that the results of research, development and innovation provide the European waterborne sector with a frontrunners position regarding the technologies developed.
In addition, it reflects the advantages of the waterborne transport sector compared to other modes of transport. Further enhancing and deploying zero-emission solutions (including circularity) and digitalisation, including enhancing the capability of the European maritime technology sector, will be critical to ensure a prosperous future of the sector.
Furthermore, as stated, a competitive value chain also heavily depends on a resilient supply chain that can source the entire product from raw materials to finished high-tech parts. Reliable delivery equally requires a well-connected and innovative trans-European network.
Developing and deploying zero-emission and digital solutions and products (such as vessels and platforms) requires the involvement of all key stakeholders and joint investments from ports, shipowners, shipyards, equipment manufacturers, infrastructure and service providers and the research community as well as the public side.
Close cooperation with the different European Commission Services and EU Member States needs to further strengthen the Team Europe approach, ensuring collective progress towards a resilient, competitive and sustainable waterborne future.
Research, development, innovation and their deployment are key to enhancing the technology leadership of the European waterborne sector. Technology leadership means being a frontrunner in enabling transformation, by developing and deploying competitive solutions to mitigate climate change, providing the capability to become climate resilient, eliminate all harmful pollutants, improve working conditions and create new jobs, and stimulate economic prosperity.
…said Jaap Gebraad, Secretary General, Waterborne TP.
