EU fund opens new route for shipping and port investment

The European Union is moving to create a new financing framework that could channel public and private money into cleaner ships, smarter ports and maritime technology, as Brussels seeks to strengthen Europe’s industrial base in one of its most strategic sectors.

The proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), part of the EU’s next long-term budget for 2028-2034, is designed to simplify access to funding while supporting sectors seen as critical to Europe’s economic security and global...