ÎOMVIISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
C0M(93) 526 final 
Brussels, 4 November 1993 
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION 
TO THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 
AND THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE 
çï»T» * S-i TOWARDS THE IMPLEMENT A TION OF A 
COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH FOR THE MARITIME 
INDUSTIES: 
THE FIRST TANGIBLE RESUL TS 
^P^«S 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 
I. INTRODUCTION 
II. TOWARDS A COHERENT MARITIME APPROACH 
m. THE COMMISSION'S ASSESSMENT OF THE 
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REPORT OF THE 
MARITIME INDUSTRIES FORUM (ATHENS 1993) 
1. General Assessment 
2. Short-sea shipping 
3. Marine Resources 
4. Ship Financing 
5. Continuation of the dialogue 
IV. FINAL REMARKS 
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I. INTRODUCTION 
In the Commission's first communication on the maritime industries "New challenges for 
maritime industries"1 the importance of maritime questions was underlined and the issue was 
examined under the different economic and political aspects. The Communication followed a 
general and horizontal approach dealing with the entire maritime dimension. As one of the 
results of this Communication the Maritime Industries Forum was created and started its 
work on 28.01.1992. The Forum brings together all maritime industries (shipping, 
shipbuilding, marine equipment, ports, fisheries and related industries and services), trade 
unions, research institutes, members of the European Parliament, the Economic and Social 
Committee, representatives of the Member States and the Nordic EFTA countries and the EC 
Commission. The objectives set for the Forum's work are : 
to define the scope for the global and horizontal approach by identifying the priority 
areas and actions of common interest in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the 
EC maritime industries within the Community and worldwide; 
to assess the appropriate methods for the implementation of those actions; 
The aim of the Forum is to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the Commission, to supply 
information and to give its point of view. This has no implications for the institutional role of 
the Commission in particular with respect to its competence to make proposals. 
The creation of the Forum stimulated the debate between the different parties involved in 
maritime questions - a debate which did not exist before - and developed a constructive 
dialogue between the industry, the Member States and the Commission. 
In October 1992, the Forum adopted its first report at the Genoa plenary session. As part of 
the 2nd Communication "The European Maritime Industries: Further steps for strengthening 
their competitiveness" 2 the recommendations of the Genoa report were appreciated by the 
Commission. 
Based on the most important issues three Panels were created : 
Panel 1 - "short-sea shipping" 
Panel 2 - "marine resources" 
Panel 3 - "ship financing" 
The Panels were organised by the maritime-industries with the Commission providing a 
supporting role. 
On 27 and 28 June 1993 at the plenary session in Athens the second report of the Forum was 
presented to the Commission and the Member States emphasizing, however, that further work 
needed to be done. This means that the Athens report has to be seen as a step in an ongoing 
dynamic debate. This report elaborates in more detail some of the recommendations of the 
Genoa report and makes a number of new concrete recommendations for action. A résumé of 
the Forum's recommendations is attached to the present Communication. 
1COM(91)335 final, 20.09.91 
2COM(92)490 final, 18.11.92 
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Within this dialogue between the industrial and the political level, the Forum has invited the 
Commission and the Member States to give their views on its recommendations and to inform 
the Forum on activities and initiatives on national or community level in fields covered by 
both reports (Genoa and Athens). The next plenary session of the Forum will be held in the 
first half of 1994. 
Given the importance of many of the elements and recommendations in the Athens report, 
which concerns the fields of responsibility of either the maritime industries concerned or the 
Commission or the Member States, the purpose of this Communication to the Council, the 
European Parliament and the Social and Economic Committee is threefold : 
1. to state the progress made so far within the Community maritime approach; 
2. to present an assessment of the Athens report; 
3. to inform the Council on the development of the dialogue with the industry. 
II. TOWARDS A COHERENT MARITIME APPROACH 
In the 1991 document "New challenges for maritime industries" the Commission set the 
framework in which a coherent approach to the maritime industries should be implemented. 
It was clear from the outset that the role of the Commission should in no case substitute 
efforts which lie solely within industries' responsibility. It is up to each industry to take the 
necessary and timely decisions that will ultimately allow them to remain active in the market. 
On the other hand, it is the role of the Commission and public authorities to create the 
appropriate business environment in which companies might strengthen and grow in an open 
and competitive framework. 
During the implementation of this approach to the maritime industries, the Commission has 
upheld to these basic principles that are enshrined in its concept of an industrial policy3. 
Whilst listening attentively to the problems and issues raised by industries, the Commission 
stressed the importance of making use of instruments and policies of a horizontal nature 
which promote the right business environment and a positive adjustment, as opposed to 
sectoral defensive instruments. Reference to some of the former policies is highlighted 
below. 
3COM(90)556-final 16.11.90 
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TRANSPORT PQUCY 
In December 1986 the Commission adopted four Regulations setting the basis of the maritime 
policy4 which was followed in 1992 by the Regulation applying the principle of freedom to 
provide services to maritime transport within Member States (maritime cabotage)5. 
In its White Paper "on the future development of the Common Transport Policy"6 adopted in 
December 1992, the Commission has committed itself to promote, within the new approach 
of sustainable mobility, a set of actions aiming to reduce the geographic and modal 
imbalances in the EC. These actions will lead to : 
the reduction of disparities between modes of transport and the promotion of competition 
and inter modal integration; 
the development of trans-European transport networks to favour the interconnection and 
interoperability of national networks, while respecting environmental constraints; 
the improvement of safety conditions in maritime transport while bearing in mind 
actions taken by the international organisations (IMO and ILO) and adding to these as 
necessary; 
strengthening of the external dimension of the common shipping policy. 
The combined effect of the single market, the EEA agreement and changes in Central and 
Eastern Europe are expected to lead to a significant increase in the demand for transport 
services. 
In this context the promotion of short-sea shipping has been considered as a vital element of 
this strategy. Although Short-sea shipping represents one third of the transport of goods 
between Member States its potential could be more fully realised in a transport market which 
is characterised by free and fair competition between modes of transport. 
Coastal transport is considered as an environmentally-friendly mode of transport (though 
there is still scope for further improvement) a cost effective mode of transport as regards the 
relation between investment in infrastructure and equipment and in terms of energy 
consumption per tonne/km, and as having a good safety record. Short-sea shipping in 
particular could contribute to the development of peripheral regions in the Community, by 
stimulating ports and their surrounding areas. 
4Council Regulations (EEC) N° 4055/86 : applying the principle of freedom to provide 
services to maritime transport between Member States and between Member States and third 
countries, N° 4056/86 : concerning the application of the competition rules of articles 85 and 
86 to maritime transport; N° 4057/86 : concerning unfair pricing practices, N° 4058/86 
concerning actions of third countries restricting access to cargoes in ocean trades OJEC L378 
of 31.12.1986. 
5Council Regulation (EEC) N° 3577/92 of 07.12.92, OJEC of 12.12.92, 
6COM(92)494-final 02.12.92 
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Maritime Safety & Environment 
The Community is to a large extent dependent on reliable, cost effective and safe shipping 
services. Its maritime transport policy must therefore ensure that such services are undertaken 
at a minimum level of risk for all directly or indirectly concerned and for the Marine 
environment. 
In this context, the Commission's declared objectives contained in the Communication 
"A common policy on safe seas"7 are to enhance safety at sea and to prevent or reduce 
operational and accidental pollution by ship. Other forms of pollution of the seas (such as 
land-based pollution) are addressed in the 5th Programme8 of policy and action in relation to 
the environment and sustainable development. 
The preparation of the action programme proposed in the above Communication for the 
fulfilment of these objectives is well advanced and includes : 
measures to establish a convergent implementation of existing international rules in the 
Community; 
measures to ensure a tighter and more effective control of ships by the State in ports. 
They include uniform enforcement by coastal States of international rules on vessels of 
all flags when they are operating in Community waters; 
measures to promote coherent and harmonised development of navigational aids and 
traffic surveillance infrastructure, with specific attention to environmentally-sensitive 
areas; 
measures to support international organisations enabling them to strengthen their 
primary role in international standard-setting. 
Adherence to this policy is dictated by the need for the broadest possible application of 
standards guaranteeing a high level of safety world-wide in order to improve the competitive 
position of the fleets respecting such standards compared to substandard ships. 
Research and Development and Demonstration 
With respect to R&D, the Commission's proposal concerning the 4th Framework Programme 
of Community activities in the field of research, technological development and 
demonstration9 covers a broad spectrum of R&D&D themes identified by the Forum. 
7COM(93)66 final 24.02.93 
8COM(92)23-fmal 27.03.92 
9COM(93)276-final 16.06.93 
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Although the Commission's proposal is implemented through specific programmes addressing 
generic themes of multisectorial application, it contemplates the set-up of operational 
approaches in order to establish an effective interface and co-ordination between these cross 
discipline research programmes and the needs of specific industrial sectors, such as the 
maritime industry. The Commission's working document concerning the scientific and 
technological content of the specific programmes implementing the 4th Framework 
Programme COM(93) 459 has a very large and comprehensive coverage of most of the issues 
of relevance to the maritime industries. This is the case, for example, for materials and 
manufacturing technologies under the programme "Industrial Technology", telematic 
applications under the programme "Information and Communication Technologies", 
aquaculture under the Programme "Life Science and Technologies, off-shore energy research, 
renewable energies, off-shore wind farms, wave and tidal energy and corresponding 
demonstration projects under the programme "Energy", strategic research for a multimodal 
transeuropean network and optimisation of networks under the programme for a "European 
transport policy". Consultation with industry, public bodies and users is seen as particularly 
important to ensure that research activities take account of priority needs. 
The work of the Maritime Industries Forum and of the subsequent Panels on "Short-Sea 
Shipping" and "Marine Resources" can, in particular, provide a significant contribution 
towards the definition of the technical content of these specific programmes. Within this 
context, it should be taken into account that the requirements of the maritime industries are so 
broad that it is in their interest to have access to a wide range of relevant R&D programme. 
By contrast, a single dedicated programme, as been suggested by the Forum, could reveal 
itself to be very limiting. 
Synergy between the Community's activities and EUREKA will be enhanced as a means for 
supporting R&D activities which are nearer to the market. Improving the dissemination of 
results amongst enterprises, particularly small and medium size enterprises, and co-ordination 
between national programmes will also be priorities for Community action. 
Social aspects 
Training related to the use of high technology can be of major importance for the maritime 
industries. If industrial restructuring of maritime industries is to succeed, measures have to be 
taken to recycle and upgrade the skills of the workforce and consequently to promote their 
access to continuous vocational training in order to face, in a competitive way, the 
introduction of the new technologies and new forms of work organisation. The new objective 
4 of the European Social Fund aims to provide funds to recycle, reconvert and upgrade the 
skills of employees. The Commission suggests that all those concerned (social partners, 
public authorities) take full account of the possibilities offered in this context to combat the 
negative consequences of restructuring - unemployment - and, at the same time, to improve 
competitiveness of industry. 
Equally important are measures to improve training and qualification of crew so as to address 
the problem of human error, which remains the main cause of accidents at sea. In May of this 
year the Commission submitted a proposal to the Council and the Parliament concerning 
minimum training requirements for seafarers. It is the intention of the Commission to address 
the questions of fatigue and working and living conditions on board ships taking into account 
the discussions in IMO and ILO. 
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External dimension 
Present negotiations on Maritime Transport services in the General Agreement on Trade in 
Services concern the question of the definition of a maritime service supplier from another 
party and above all the willingness to make specific commitments regarding market access 
and national treatment in the fields of international shipping, auxiliary services and the access 
to and use of port facilities. The Community is looking for broad commitments of all 
participants in these areas which represent a standstill and a substantial rollback of restrictions 
as compared to the present situation. It is willing to commit itself to an important degree of 
liberalisation, provided other parties, and in particular the US, are also ready to commit 
themselves in this direction. 
The negotiations on shipbuilding within the OECD aim at re-establishing normal competitive 
conditions in the sector by eliminating all practices distorting competition which are 
disturbing the market and have done for many years. In this sense the obligation taken by the 
Commission to eliminate progressively, aid to shipbuilding can only be conceived in the 
framework of a satisfactory, balanced and global agreement. This implies the need for an 
efficient instrument against dumping, for the elimination of the Japanese home credit schemes 
and for a settlement of the questions related to the American Jones Act. 
HI. THE COMMISSION'S ASSESSMENT OF THE 
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REPORT OF THE 
MARITIME INDUSTRIES FORIJM (ATHENS 199.^ 
1. GENERAL ASSESSMENT 
One important aim - the setting-up of a constant dialogue between the maritime industries -
has been fully achieved. This is important, as before the Forum the communication between 
shipowners, shipbuilders and equipment suppliers, ports, fisheries and related industries and 
services, trades unions, etc., was sometimes limited. Today, the different parties talk to each 
other offering the possibility of a better understanding and a better customer-tailored product 
while taking into account maritime safety and environment, social policy, R&D, competition 
and international policy aspects. 
Another Forum aim - a constant dialogue between the industry and the political level - has 
equally been achieved whilst respecting the relevant responsibilities of the EC institutions 
according to the provisions of the Treaty. The High Level Panel meets regularly offering a 
way for the industry as well as for the Commission to keep constantly abreast with relevant 
developments in the maritime field. Member States are equally involved in this process as 
participants of the Forum's plenary sessions. 
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This dialogue has however only become possible because the maritime industries have come 
together and have succeeded in defining their priorities, aims and strategies. In short, the 
industry has found a way of co-operation, allowing the hitherto dispersed and fragmented 
sector to present itself- through the Forum - as an important and competent industrial partner. 
This has created synergies which will help to further increase the competitiveness of the 
maritime industries. 
Another achievement of the Forum is that the maritime industry, which suffered for too long 
from the image of a declining industry, has improved its image, presenting itself as a dynamic 
high-tech sector eager to face world-wide competition. Substantial progress has been made in 
improving the business framework - and a change of policy and mentality away from 
defensive measures towards initiatives aimed at higher competitiveness. 
The Commission welcomes the fact that the report of the Forum covers areas of concern to 
different maritime sectors and proposes positive, future-oriented measures. A number of new 
recommendations (such as elimination of restrictive practices in ports, simplification of 
administrative procedures, R&D activities) can indeed contribute to improve the competitive 
position of the maritime industries. 
Furthermore some participants of the Athens meeting have expressed their view that social 
aspects should be further taken into account in the Forum's work. The Commission invites 
the Forum to consider this request. 
With respect to maritime safety and environment the Communication's on "A policy on safe 
seas" should give rise to a great deal of consultation amongst the parties involved. In addition 
this subject should be kept on the agenda of the Forum. 
2. SHORT-SEA SHIPPING 
The Commission welcomes the practical and constructive recommendations on Short-sea 
shipping put forward by the Forum. The Commission intends to submit in the near future a 
Communication on the further promotion of Short-sea shipping in the Community to the 
Council of Ministers, the European Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee. 
This Communication - largely based on the work of the "Short-sea shipping" Panel - will 
include an action programme with recommendations to the Member States' national, regional 
or local authorities, and to the industries, as well as initiatives which can be taken at 
Community level. In this context, the principle of subsidiarity will be taken into account and 
implemented in the appropriate manner. Initiatives or actions to be developed within the 
context of promoting Short-sea shipping should not, however, lead to artificial advantages 
favouring this mode of transport. The Commission will ensure that the principle of free and 
fair competition between modes of transport is fully respected. 
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10 
Part efficiency 
The Commission recognises that the efficient operation of ports is of vital importance to the 
reliability and overall competitiveness of the shipping industry. Port services can be 
improved if the following basic principles are taken into account: namely efficient 
administration, adaptation to customer requirements and increase of productivity. 
The Commission is at present analysing the degree and the effect of certain restrictive 
practices in European ports which may hinder growth and development and may also 
adversely affect intra-Community trade. A study has been commissioned to investigate this 
matter. 
Port projects in various Member States benefit from the Structural funds and more specifically 
from the Regional fund. An important initiative concerning the future Community financing 
of port projects in the four Cohesion fund Member States (Greece, Ireland, Portugal and 
Spain) is already in an advanced stage of preparation. Furthermore, the Commission will 
submit before the end of the year its proposal for a trans-European port network plan. 
As far as the plan for the inclusion of ports into the framework of the trans-European 
networks initiative is concerned, the objective is to develop a strategy to improve the position 
of ports in the multimodal transport chain and the efficiency of their operations. A Member 
States' working group is assisting the Commission in the identification of port projects of 
common interest. The choice of port projects to be included in the trans-European port 
network plan will be based upon a set of operational criteria which have been developed. 
Financial support if requested can be made available in particular for feasibility studies, loan 
guarantees and interest rate subventions related to the realisation of these port projects. It is 
the intention of the Commission to present its proposal on the trans-European port network 
plan by the end of 1993. 
Multimodal aspects 
The Commission recognises that the extent to which Short-sea shipping will be able to exploit 
its advantages will depend largely on its ability to link itself to other transport modes. In this 
context, the Commission favours the creation of a multimodal transport concept including 
Short-sea shipping. Studies will be launched to examine this matter in close co-operation 
with the industries. Moreover, the Commission shares the Forum's opinion that the setting up 
by the industry of new Short-sea-shipping trade routes or even new landsea routes with longer 
sea legs may in some cases need studies prior to their establishment in order to determine 
whether they are commercially viable. The relevant Commission departments are therefore 
examining the possibility of granting financial support to various types of pilot schemes 
aimed at promoting Short-sea shipping in the framework of multi-modal transport. 
Administrative and control procedures 
The Commission notes with interest the Forum's recommendations concerning intermodal 
technical compatibility. These relate to issues such as: the UN's work on the alignment of 
dangerous goods requirements; the acceptance of normal commercial documents for customs 
purposes; the new VAT regime and the new veterinary controls; and the adaptation to the 
IMO Facilitation Convention of requirements on the documents to be presented in ports as 
well as the adoption of a standard declaration relating to a ship safety certificate. 
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H 
The Commission believes that procedural hindrances should be eliminated. Procedures 
should be restricted to real requirements, duplication of work and information should be 
prevented, and requirements should be harmonized where appropriate. A number of 
problems are being examined in areas within Commission competence, such as VAT matters 
and veterinary controls. The Commission is considering the possibility of initiating a study 
on documentary and administrative procedures in all Member States in order to determine 
where the hindrances lie and recommend changes. 
Electronic Data Interchange Œ.D.I.Ï 
The Community will need a modern and efficient information infrastructure. An appropriate 
policy has to be formulated, a system for information exchange has to be created on 
Community level and a new form of partnership has to be developed between the public and 
private parties. 
The Commission believes that EDI has a crucial role to play in linking the different modes of 
transport and improving the position of Short-sea shipping in the transport chain. Community 
financial support to contribute to the setting up of EDI systems in ports located in peripheral 
regions where such infrastructure does not exist could be considered. The Commission 
welcomes the Forum's recommendation on this matter and its decision on the creation of a 
specific Panel on EDI. 
The Panel has the objective : 
of reviewing the usefulness and the application of existing EDIFACT messages and 
user manuals; 
of recommending any changes which are considered necessary; 
of monitoring the programme or the creation of EDI system partially not yet 
covered by the system and to recommend steps to stimulate it. 
Like the other Panels this Panel will also be organised by the industry. 
Technological innovation 
As far as technological innovation is concerned the Commission notes the consistency of the 
research requirements identified by the Forum with the general themes of research included in 
its proposal for the 4th Framework Programme. This will ensure that the maritime industry 
will find in this proposal a clear contribution towards strengthening the position of Short-sea 
shipping as an integrated component of the trans-European transport network and the 
technological basis needed to meet the ever more demanding market challenges. 
Work will include not only the technologies to support the development of more cost-
effective and environmentally friendly ship concepts and systems with specific functionalities 
adapted for short-sea requirements, but also all the intermodal operational infrastructure, 
including efficient and flexible transhipment facilities, multimodal logistic information 
systems and traffic management systems. This against a background that should take into 
consideration the need for a highly adaptive structure for cargo and passengers, as well as an 
optimal intermodal interchange and interoperability. 
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12 
The consideration of this matrix of complex problems will be mainly covered by the spectrum 
of activities proposed within the themes Information and Communication Technologies, 
Industrial Technologies, Energy and Research for a European Transport Policy, taking into 
account the multisectorial application of their scientific and technological base. 
Furthermore, the specific activities addressing the dissemination and optimisation of the 
results of ongoing Community RTD activities, in particular, in the scope of programmes such 
as EURET, BRITE-EURAM, ESPRIT and within COST and EUREKA activities, will create 
the basis for the effective utilisation by the maritime industries of leading-edge technology 
and for the promotion of synergies with industries which interface with transport. 
In order to bring together the main actors involved in the maritime field, a workshop was 
organised by the Commission on 18-19 October 1993, to debate general demand for research 
in waterbome transport. 
3. MARINE RESOURCES 
The Commission takes note not only of the thorough examination of the opportunities offered 
by the exploration of the marine resources, but also of the comprehensive and concrete 
recommendations for the further RD and technological innovation required. 
The marine environment and its resources are seen as a vast challenge and a potential source 
of immense amounts of raw materials, food, and energy that could be exploited provided 
appropriate technology exists. Furthermore the marine environment plays a very important 
role in the global climatic balance. The exploitation of the marine resources, ranging from 
traditional fisheries to the technologically demanding harvesting of minerals on the deep 
ocean floor or utilisation of thermal gradients, poses challenges not only to the conscientious 
management of the resources and the protection against pollution - issues of worldwide 
concern - but also to the technological development. 
In fact the technological development should be seen as a vehicle for providing more 
efficiency to the traditional exploitation of the well-known resources, facilitating the 
exploitation of new resources, as well as supporting and enabling their conscientious 
management. 
3.1. Energy 
The Commission is favourable to the fact that the Forum has taken up the important issue on 
energy exploitation and production and has concentrated its work on offshore hydrocarbons 
and on renewable energies. 
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13 
Offshore hydrocarbons 
The Commission shares the Forum's views that oil and gas will remain, at least during the 
next decades, a basic source of energy worldwide. The expected growth in world demand for 
hydrocarbons will drive interest in the commercial exploitation of marginal and deep fields, as 
an essential contribution to the security of Europe's supply. An economic exploitation of 
these fields, within a perspective of extended field life, requires continuation of efforts 
presently undertaken under existing demonstration energy programmes in order to implement 
more cost-effective exploration techniques and production systems to be developed, together 
with adequate surface and sub-sea infrastructures for transport, inspection, maintenance and 
repair. These new systems should operate under conditions of improved safety, including 
enhanced systems for hazard prevention and control, and increased automation, enabling 
higher standards in both working conditions and environmental impact. 
To meet these goals, research is needed to address a wide range of complementary 
technological and logistic issues, underpinning the distinct phases of offshore activities, 
namely exploration, development of the field and production. This includes, in particular, a 
broad range of generic technologies such as robotics, advanced materials and 
communications, which can create the basis to support innovation necessary in a more 
competitive global market. 
Renewable energies 
The Commission notes with satisfaction the fact that the Forum has included the importance 
of renewable energies for the future. 
The increasing demand for energy from industrial countries and especially developing 
countries, has to be considered in a perspective for sustainable development. The exploitation 
of renewable marine energy resources, including wind, tides, waves and currents has a 
significant potential to contribute towards these growing requirements, whilst ensuring 
reduced environmental impact by comparison with traditional sources. 
Based on the integration of existing technologies and prototypes and those currently under 
development (e.g. wave, tidal or current converters), the main objective will be to prove the 
economic feasibility of specific applications via large scale pilot projects. These should 
enable a real assessment of performance regarding effectiveness, efficiency and safety of 
operation. 
Within this context, particular emphasis should be devoted to the demonstration of feasibility 
of multi purpose Marine Energy Utilisation (MEU) plants, combining within the same 
infrastructure, facilities for production of energy, gas, freshwater and food. This implies a 
cross-fertilisation between technologies relevant to the utilisation of both renewables and 
hydrocarbons. 
3.2. Fisheries 
The Commission appreciates the profound analysis undertaken by industries of the situation 
and existing problems of the fishery sector, which emphasises the fact that the fishery sector 
forms an important part of the Maritime Industries, sharing with them several common 
features. 
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14 
The Common Fisheries Policy aims to provide for rational and responsible exploitation of the 
Fisheries resources and those of Aquaculture. A balanced exploitation of resources is a sine 
qua non condition to strengthen the viability and competitiveness of the industry. 
At present several important fish stocks are in a very poor condition due to overfishing. 
The objective of the structural policy in the fishing sector is therefore to restructure the fishing 
fleet and to improve the balance between capacity and available stocks. 
One of the instruments essential to its implementation is the system of Multiannual Guidance 
Programmes which aim at a gradual reduction of the fleet in tonnage and engine power. 
As regards Aquaculture, the Common Fisheries Policy, and in particular the structural policy, 
aims to improve cost effective production methods to meet the diversified demands of the 
market and the environmental requirements. 
The recommendations of the Forum as regards safety and environment are of high importance 
for the fishery sector. The dependence of fisheries/marine aquaculture on the quality of the 
marine environment is rightly a determining factor world wide. 
Furthermore the Commission has examined the proposals of R&D projects of the Forum 
particularly as to whether they contribute to the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy. 
It is to be noted that several proposals are already covered by present research schemes or will 
be taken into account in the future 4th Framework Programme. 
3.3. Minerals 
Deep-sea floor mining remains a longer term objective. Most of the technologies that are 
required for mining and processing sea-bed mineral deposits already exist. However, their 
efficiency and reliability must be improved to ensure competitiveness with land-based 
exploitation. 
A possible approach could be to focus on a range of enabling technologies such as, improved 
methods for the assessment of underwater mineral resources, advanced materials, new 
sensors, robotics and remotely operated vehicles (ROV) and the design of dedicated vessels, 
and on their integration within the scope of pilot installations. These should enable the 
demonstration of the economic viability of the concepts, under real operating conditions, 
including the assessment of environmental implications. 
3.4. Technological Innovation 
Regarding technological innovation the Commission welcomes the research requirements 
identified by the Marine Resources Panel as a positive contribution to the establishment of 
research priorities for the relevant R&D programmes. 
Research in this area should aim to support the creation of the technological basis for a wider, 
although more rational, exploitation of marine resources, whilst ensuring the long term 
competitiveness of European industry in traditional and emerging markets. 
Given the limitations in financial resources available and the wide range of application areas, 
including offshore hydrocarbons, renewable marine energies, aquaculture and fisheries, 
minerals and fresh water, as well as the overheads and constraints imposed by a harsh 
environment and the international competition, there is the need to be selective and adopt a 
strategy leading to multisectorial benefits. 
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15 
This strategy should build upon the common development of enabling technologies and, 
where relevant, of complex systems of multi-resources exploitation. Furthermore, it should 
encompass demonstration projects, enabling full assessment of technical and economic 
viability of specific applications, whilst accounting for their environmental impact. 
These projects should evolve from a system approach, through an extensive trans-European 
collaboration of equipment producers, operators and regulatory authorities, in order to devise 
solutions that can provide a better balance between exploitation and conservation needs. 
Research work on most of the issues involved has already been initiated under several 
specific programmes of the EC, such as JOULE, MAST, BRITE-EURAM and THERMIE. 
The proposal of the 4th Framework Programme will allow this R&D to be extended and 
complemented, in particular, within the activities considered under the themes Information 
and Communication Technologies, Industrial Technologies, Environment, Life Science and 
Technologies and Energy. 
These activities will cover aspects such as technologies for the improvement of quality, 
reliability and performance of materials and products, technologies for cleaner and more 
efficient production and use of energy or the application of life sciences and technologies in 
aquaculture and fisheries. They will provide industry with the necessary core technologies to 
support innovation, and hence ensure its long time competitiveness in global markets. 
3.5. Structural Funds and Cohesion Fund 
The Commission is prepared to examine further the possibility of using the existing Structural 
Funds and the Cohesion Fund for projects which are of importance for the marine resources 
industries. This can cover, for example, infrastructure projects or fishery and aquaculture 
projects. It will however be vital that Member States include these priorities in their overall 
plans presented to the Commission. 
4. SHIP FINANCING 
The Commission is of the opinion that the aim of reaching a multilateral agreement in the 
OECD - respecting normal competitive conditions - is one of the first priorities in terms of 
policy objectives. The Commission appreciates the fact that Industry has also endorsed this 
objective. 
The Commission takes note of the decision of the Forum to consider the current conclusions 
as having an interim character, and further analysis is required. 
The Commission also takes note of the fact that the industries - in this special case the 
shipowners and the shipbuilders - discussed and analysed intensively together the question of 
ship financing, especially as these two industries do not necessarily have convergent points of 
view. 
4.1. Harmonisation of Home Credit Scheme 
The recommendations concerning this issue are addressed to Member States. However, the 
Commission wishes to stress, that in compliance with the requests presented by the 
Community in OECD negotiations, these types of measures should be phased out if and when 
this agreement enters inlo force. 
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16 
4.2. E.l.B. (European Investment Bank) and E.I.F. (European Investment Fund) 
Maritime transport can benefit from the financial means which were approved in favour of 
trans-European networks (in particular transport) at the Edinburgh summit and which were 
enlarged at the Copenhagen one. It is recalled that according to these decisions the financing 
from the EIB covers - in derogation from the usual criteria - up to 75% of project cost with its 
own financial means. In case of co-financing with the Structural Funds, the cumulated 
financing can reach 90% of the project cost. The insertion of the maritime industry in the 
framework of the trans-European networks would involve that the activity of guarantee of the 
new European Investment Fund (EIF) would cover this sector. 
4.3. Fiscal measures 
The Commission is aware of the importance of fiscal measures to shipowners. 
The Commission took note of and agrees with, the recommendation of the Forum that these 
measures should be neutral in their impact on shipowners' choice of builder. 
The Commission took further note of the discussions on the compatibility of different fiscal 
measures with the international negotiations. There is not yet an agreement between 
the industry and the Commission. Additional consideration on this issue is therefore 
welcomed in order to obtain further clarification. 
In the framework of the Commission's proposal for a Community ship register (EUROS) and 
other positive measures, the Commission is working at present on further ways of aiding EC 
shipping to face competition from substandard ships and ships registered under a flag of 
convenience. 
4.4. Ship scrapping 
The Commission appreciates the recommendation as far as scrapping is concerned and in 
particular the opinion that the issue should be dealt with according to market mechanisms. 
With respect to the recommendation of assistance to third countries in order to upgrade the 
necessary facilities the Commission will scrutinize the ways and means available to reach this 
objective. 
Activities connected to shipping and maritime transport are included in the cooperation fields 
set up by the Lomé Convention, which is the framework for Community support to 
69 African, Caribbean and Pacific developing countries. Therefore, cooperation could be 
available in the field of the scrapping activities mentioned in the report if the beneficiary 
countries would include them in their national indicative programmes and subject to the 
criterias set up in the Convention. 
5. CONTINUATION OF THE DIALOGUE 
Future of the Forwm 
It is widely accepted within the maritime industries that the Forum has been useful in giving a 
clear picture of the challenges faced by the different industries and has contributed to 
fostering a better understanding between them. The Commission recognises the importance 
and the value attributed to the Forum by the industries concerned and the need to pursue 
discussions between the parties to maintain the impetus towards a further integrated approach. 
In this context the mutual informal exchange of views and information will continue within 
the High Level Panel. 
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17 
As the work of the Forum has proven to be successful and constructive, the Commission 
notes with interest the Forum's decision to create for one of the Panels a permanent 
secretariat. After having gained some experience with this secretariat and in order to ensure 
the coordination of the work of all existing Panels and to create a contact point for all Forum 
members from the different industries, it should be considered to enlarge this secretariat for 
the entire work of the Forum. 
The Commission favours a pragmatic and realistic approach and stresses the primary role to 
be played by the maritime industries. 
Cooperation between the maritime regions in Europe 
The European Parliament which accompanied the Forum from the beginning has welcomed 
its work. The European Parliament proposed to create the"Association of Maritime Regions 
in Europe" in order to emphasize the regional dimension. This association has committed 
itself to complement and reinforce the work of the Forum by adding a regional public 
authority dimension and by contributing to a further integrated approach while avoiding 
duplication of work. 
The Commission takes note of the position taken by the European Parliament and considers 
that the addition of a regional dimension will be useful for the work of the Forum. It notes 
that various regional associations are being set up to promote more active collaboration 
between maritime regions and draws attention to the need for increased coordination between 
these associations. 
IV. FINAI, REMARKS 
The Commission welcomes mat an active dialogue is taking place within the maritime 
industries Forum. The goals fixed for the work of the Forum are well advanced: 
priority areas and various concrete types of action have been identified; 
while fully respecting the mutual responsibilities the adequate level for action 
(Community, Member States or Industry) has been defined; 
After two years of dialogue within the Forum there is the need to take stock of the work of the 
Forum. The Commission intends to actively continue this dialogue, inter alia, by making 
available the necessary information concerning the actions and initiatives taken in its own 
sphere of responsibility. Member States are invited to consider a similar contribution. 
winword\hvb\notesV--l lecom.doc (ap) 
18 
The Commission: 
invites the Council to approve these orientations and to give support to the approach 
towards maritime industries followed by the Commission; 
invites the Member States to actively pursue the dialogue with the Forum; 
intends to send this communication to the European Parliament and the Social and 
Economic Committee for their information; 
requests these Institutions to co-operate, in their own fields of competence, in the 
implementation of this approach. 
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19 
RESUME OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS 
OF THE MARITIME INDUSTRIES FORUM (ATHENS REPORT) 
1. Policy issues 
Gn the basis of the work of the 3 existing Panels, the Forum has formulated recommendations 
addressed to the Commission and to the Member States. These can be resumed under the 
subjects dealt with by the different Panels. 
1.1. Short-sea shipping 
The Forum is concerned about restrictive practices which are harmful to the efficiency of 
ports and believes that Member States should ensure mat governmental offices at ports are 
open whenever required and justified by port users, if necessary by way of special 
arrangment. In addition strenghtened Port State Control should be introduced. 
Various governmental requirements are listed in the report which create difficulties 
integrating Short-sea-shipping in the concept for intermodal transport. Ways to end these 
difficulties should be considered. Suggestions were made for research relative to short-sea 
shipping to include this in the 4th Framework Programme and the next stage of EURET. In 
addition the amendment of existing study programmes should be considered with a view to 
facilitating their use to encourage land-sea combined transport. 
The objective that each mode of transport should meet in full its infrastructure costs should be 
pursued. 
1.2. Marine Resources 
The Forum examined in some details the possibilities for exploration and or production of off­
shore hydracarbons, renewable energies, minerals, fresh water and fisheries. It is suggested to 
consider the possibility of creating within the 4th Framework Programme a separate coherent 
theme covering maritime research and technological development projects. This theme 
should be allocated a substantial increase in research money. In addition the use of existing 
Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund for maritime and marine projects should be 
considered. 
1.3. Ship Financing 
Subject to the overall objective of the OECD negotiations on shipbuilding, the Member States 
which are supporting their shipbuilding industries, should consider amending the terms of 
their Home Credit Schemes to produce conditions which reflect the best practice of current 
schemes The EIB and EIF are invited to consider developing and extending their role in ship 
finance. 
The possibilities of fiscal measures to shipowners which are neutral in their impact on a 
shipowner's choice of shipbuilder should be considered. 
Within the aid programme to developing countries, appropriate measures to expand ship 
scrapping facilities in these countries should be considered in Member States. 
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20 
2. Organisational Issues 
The dialogue between the maritime industry and the Commission within the High Level Panel 
will continue. 
The existing Panels should continue their work for another year and an additional Panel 
should be set up for the development of EDI. 
The question of creating an overall secretariat should be considered at the next Forum in the 
light of the experience of the Secretariat instituted by the Panel on "Marine Resources". The 
Forum should meet again in the first quarter of 1994. Its agenda should include progress 
reports on research and on safety and the environment. All those involved in the Forum's 
work should inform the other parties on the actions and initiatives taken with respect to the 
recommendations of the Athens and the Genoa report. 
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21 
FINANCIAL STATEMENT 
The financial implications of the Community Policy for strengthening the competitiveness of 
the maritime industries for the years 1993-1995 is set out in the financial statement which is 
part of the Commission's Communication "The European Maritime Industries : Further steps 
for strengthening their competitiveness" Doc COM(92)490 of 18.11.1992. The present 
Communication has no financial implications which imply major changes or which go beyond 
the financial needs identified in Doc COM(92)490 for the years 1993-1994. The degressivity 
will be respected as the financial burden of the organisation of the Forum's work is 
increasingly taken over by industry. However, as the work done by the Forum is still 
increasing, it is expected that the Commission's support will have to go on in 1995. 
It is therefore proposed to foresee, for 1995, the same amount for studies and staff and 
administrative costs as for 1994. As to 1996 it will depend on the development of the 
ongoing work if organisational support by the Commission is still needed. This cannot be 
predicted at this stage. In the following the amounts foreseen in Doc COM92(490) for the 
years 1993 and 1994 are recalled and the new figures for 1995 are given. 
B-5411 Operations relating to industry 
Studies on the competitiveness of the industries and 
technological development 1993 
50.000 1994 
20.000 1995 
20.000 
A-1178 Technical and administrative assistance in 
support of different activities 
| Secretariat (1 man/year '93, 0,5 in '94/95) 
External person providing services 
(equivalent : 0,5 man/1 year) category A expert in 
maritime matters 50.000 
40.000 25.000 
20.000 25.000 
20.000 
| A-250 Meeting of experts : 15 in 1993. 6 in 1994 
and 1995 each650 ECU 9.750 3.900 3.900 
A-2550 Conference organisation (one annual plenary 
session 
2 representatives per Member State (24 x 483 ECU) 
Experts (universities and non-governmental 
domains) (5 x 650 ECU) 11.600 
3.250 11.600 
3.250 11.600 
3.250 
A-260 Studies and consultancies 
functioning of panels linked to the 30.000 10.000 10.000 
winword\hvb\iiotcs'14-| lecom.doc (ap) 
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM (93) 526 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN io 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-93-569-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-60251-1 
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 
L-2985 Luxembourg