The European maritime industry is essential for trade, transport, innovation, and sustainability. It comprises shipbuilding, port operations, offshore energy, and maritime services, all are essential both for the economy and the ambitions of the European Green Deal.

The European Maritime Industry 

1. Shipping and Transport
   More than 75% of Europe’s external trade is carried by sea. Major ports like Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg rank among the busiest in the world. Particularly, the Port of Rotterdam plays a key role as a logistics hub, innovation driver, and energy transition center.
2. Shipbuilding and Marine Equipment
   European shipyards are known for building high-tech vessels, including cruise ships, ferries, naval vessels, and offshore service ships. Countries such as Germany, Italy, and Finland are leaders in this sector.
3. Ports and Logistics
   European ports are major hubs of economic activity, handling billions of tonnes of cargo annually. They also serve as gateways for passengers and cruise tourism.
4. Blue Economy and Sustainability
   The EU promotes a sustainable “Blue Economy” that includes fisheries, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and ocean energy. The European “Blue Economy” strategy supports sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and ocean observation. There is strong focus on CO₂ reduction, circular economy, and biodiversity conservation.
5. Offshore Energy
   Europe leads in offshore wind energy development, particularly in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. This is an expanding field supporting the EU’s renewable energy targets.

Challenges and opportunities

• Green regulations: New IMO and EU rules put pressure on sustainability.
• Digitalization: Innovations like AI, IoT, and automation enhance safety and efficiency.
• Geopolitical uncertainty: International tensions affect trade routes—resilience becomes essential.

Grant opportunities for the Maritime industry

EU grant programmes for the Maritime industry

The European Union offers grant programmes that stimulate innovation and sustainability within the maritime sector. For example:

• Horizon Europe – Supports R&D for smart shipping, clean fuels, and climate solutions.
• Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) – Transport – Invests in ports, infrastructure, and multimodal corridors.
• EMFAF (European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund) – Promotes sustainable fisheries and coastal innovation.
• LIFE programme – Supports green technologies in ports, shipbuilding, and logistics.

EU grants are available for companies, knowledge institutions, research organisations, universities, port authorities.

National grants for the Maritime industry

In addition to these schemes, there are numerous other grant opportunities on a national or regional level. Contact us to discuss the possibilities for your organisation or project.

Discover your grant opportunities

Are you working on a project, innovation or research that could make a valuable contribution to the Maritime industry? Our specialists have extensive experience in advising and supporting all kinds of organisations. Would you like to know more about the possibilities? Send us an email to info@hezelburcht.com, call us on 088 495 20 00 or fill in the form below: