Damen Shipyards Group, along with representatives from other maritime sectors in Europe, signed nine technology roadmaps on September 29, 2026, at the Maritime Leadership event in Brussels. These roadmaps provide a common framework for research, development, and innovation in maritime transport and set carbon reduction targets for the years 2035, 2040, and 2050.
European Maritime Technology Platform
The European Maritime Technology Platform is a collaborative platform for research, development, and innovation (RD&I) in maritime transport. This platform includes shipbuilders, shipowners, ports, maritime suppliers, infrastructure and service providers, universities, and research institutions from across Europe that collaborate with the European Commission on a joint innovation agenda.
This event was attended by representatives from the industry and the European Commission, where nineteen senior leaders from across the sector, including Martin Bloem, Vice President of Damen, signed the technology roadmaps and presented them to Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Transport and Tourism.
Goals and Implications
The technology roadmaps respond to the need to strengthen Europe's technological leadership and competitiveness while supporting a resilient and sustainable maritime sector. These roadmaps also contribute to the goals of the EU's maritime industrial strategy and the Union's port strategy.
Europe's competitiveness, resilience, and strategic autonomy depend on a strong maritime sector. The deployment of European technologies strengthens Europe's global position, while resilient supply chains and an innovative connected network of international transit support the European competitive value chain.
Pieter Huiskens, RD&I Director of the Damen Group, stated: "Europe has strong expertise and promising maritime innovations. The next step is to ensure that proven technologies are brought to market faster and scaled up. Through these roadmaps, public and private parties identify which technologies, funding, legal frameworks, and skills are needed to achieve this."
The release of these roadmaps coincides with discussions in Europe about budgets and innovation programs for the next multiannual financial framework 2028-2034. Damen strongly supports the continuation of European maritime innovation participation, which is key to carbon reduction in the maritime sector and achieving Europe's climate goals.
Pieter Huiskens further stated: "The Netherlands is a maritime nation. To maintain this position, we must continue to invest in research, development, and innovation, and also accelerate the demonstration, funding, and deployment of new technologies. Therefore, Damen is actively involved in developing a successor for European maritime participation and hopes for political support from the Netherlands."
