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The European Industrial Maritime StrategyA turning point for Europe%u2019s maritime manufacturing industry After years of fragmented initiatives and repeated industry calls for a dedicated European sectoral strategy, the EIMS finally provides a coherent political framework for European shipyards and maritime equipment manufacturers, as well as for European shipping. The EIMS not only meets long-standing expectations but also creates a genuine opportunity to reinforce Europe as a global leader in high-value shipbuilding and advanced maritime equipment manufacturing, while strengthening its position in the emerging markets of the Blue Economy and in strategic ship segments for Europe, such as ferries and ship retrofitting. To that end, however, the EIMS must be translated swiftly and decisively into action.A strategy long awaited %u2014 and largely on targetThe EIMS largely reflects the vision, ambition, and policy recommendations that the European maritime manufacturing industry has consistently put forward over recent years through SEA Europe %u2014 the Shipyards and Maritime Equipment Association of Europe. It also acknowledges the strategic importance of shipyards and maritime equipment manufacturers for Europe%u2019s industrial base, technological sovereignty, and resilience. Importantly, it incorporates a clear ambition to build and retrofit 10,000 sustainable and digitalised vessels by 2035 and identifies a set of maritime %u201clead markets%u201d, both of which are fully aligned with SEA Europe%u2019s call. By explicitly recognising these lead markets, the Strategy sends a strong signal: Europe%u2019s future competitiveness will be built on innovation, quality, sustainability, digitalisation, and systems integration.From strategy to business: The central role of business cases and industrial roadmapsPerhaps the most promising element of the EIMS lies in its focus on concrete business cases. Interested companies, by Christophe Tytgat, Secretary General of SEA EuropeEuropean maritime manufacturing industryThe publication of the first-ever European Industrial Maritime Strategy (EIMS) marks a decisive milestone for Europe%u2019s maritime manufacturing industry, i.e., shipyards and maritime equipment manufacturers.294 NX

