Our Way 1
VINJETT TEXT SOFIA LUNDGREN PHOTO ADOBE STOCK The
European Union views shipbuilding as a cornerstone of its strategic autonomy, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign naval and commercial vessels, secure critical supply chains, foster technological innovation in green and digital shipbuilding, and strengthen defence capabilities through initiatives like the European Defence Fund and PESCO, while also countering competition from Asia and safeguarding maritime infrastructure from foreign control. Alicia García Herrero Chief Economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis Investment managers Senior Fellow at Bruegel think tank LONG-TERM CONTRACTS WOULD ALLOW SHIPYARDS TO INVEST IN NEW CAPABILITIES WITHOUT THE RISK OF LOSING ORDERS AFTER JUST ONE OR TWO PROJECTS. Johan Mattsson says Johan. “Without incentives or policy support, it’s unlikely that European yards can compete with China on cost.” Both stress the importance of supply chains—another structural issue. “Even if we build ships in Europe, many key components will still come from Asia,” says Urban. “You’d end up with high costs, without necessarily better delivery dependability.” Urban Lishajko Head of Ship Design, Newbuilding & Innovation Wallenius Marine SO, WHAT WOULD make a difference? Long-term partnerships and strategic vision is a start. “Historically, we built in South Korea for nearly two decades,” Urban says. “That kind of continuity improves design collaboration and execution. If similar relationships were built in Europe, competence and capacity could follow.” Johan agrees: “Long-term contracts would allow Johan Mattsson CEO Wallenius Marine THERE’S NO ILLUSION that reindustrializing Europe’s shipbuilding sector will be easy—or cheap. But the foundations are there: experienced design teams, technical expertise, and a growing awareness of strategic risk. With the right long-term partnerships and political commitment, Europe could begin to rebuild its presence in global shipbuilding. “Europe must take care of its own affairs. That includes securing critical capabilities like shipbuilding and transport—especially in times of crisis. I believe we’ll see less reliance on global systems and more focus on European capacity, responsibility, and collaboration. That’s the direction we’re moving in,” Johan concludes. OUR WAY 1/2025 17 shipyards to invest in new capabilities without the risk of losing orders after just one or two projects.”