On 24 January, the Waterborne Technology Platform (TP) released its new Strategic Research Agenda to the European Commission.

This agenda provides a long-term vision and missions for a climate neutral economy, an innovative and competitive high-tech sector and a prosperous European society. The Waterborne TP says the agenda addresses the global and societal challenges of the waterborne sector and the sector’s needs and opportunities. This agenda is also to contribute to fulfilling COP21 objectives.

Clean, Green, Safe and Secure

The Strategic Research Agenda is to transform waterborne transport in Europe and worldwide into a clean, green, safe and more secure mode of transport through the development of dedicated technologies and concepts that will eliminate all harmful emissions from the sector by 2050.

Blue Growth

The agenda also seeks to stimulate Europe’s leadership in blue growth activities and the creation of new business models for the Blue Economy in Europe.

Seamless Port and Logistics Operations

Finally, the agenda is to help the waterborne sector to better integrate shipping and inland navigation into seamless port and logistic operations. By doing so, it will contribute to enhancing the overall European transport and mobility systems.

Significant Investments Needed

To fulfil these objectives, Europe’s waterborne industry will need to invest significantly in research and development activities, whilst the European Commission and Member States of the EU will need to back the industry with sufficient financial incentives. To that end, the Waterborne TP calls upon the European Commission and the Member States for a proper inclusion of the Waterborne sector in Horizon Europe as well as in other financial programmes. Furthermore, the fulfilment of these objectives will also require supporting policies from the European Commission.