On Tuesday, the European Parliament will gather in Strasbourg to vote on a new maritime growth strategy, which together with several other sectors will help drive the EU out of the crisis. And that shouldn't be too difficult, says Simon Bergulf, head of the Danish Shipowners' Association's office in Brussels:

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"I expect it to be approved without any major changes," he tells ShippingWatch, adding:

"To the shipowners' association, the EU initiative falls in line with the Danish growth plan, and in these times of crisis it's very positive to see that Brussels also understands how important maritime transportation is, and how massive the business' growth potential is," he says.

The proposal is part of a larger plan to create growth in several sectors in the EU, which will help lift the EU out of the crisis. The plan deals with ways to create growth while also considering CO2 emissions, the sustainable use of the ocean's resources, and being prepared for accidents and disasters.

Increased cooperation

The need for more jobs, and especially a stronger economy, has made it necessary to create a new political approach to maritime economy, according to the proposal. EU Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fishery, Maria Damanaki, has developed the strategy, which has been underway for a long time and is now facing an approval. Strategic planning between the countries is necessary in order to successfully develop the various sectors in the maritime business:

"(...) in order to ensure coordination and synergies between existing policies and developing new initiatives and instruments. To take full advantage of the opportunities available in maritime growth, private and public players will have to unite their strengths and work within a common political framework, with consideration to the EU's new priorities," reads the proposal.

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