Over the last 20 years the European shipbuilding sector has undergone far-reaching structural changes. Since the mid-70s three out of every four workers employed in the shipyards have been made redundant. Some European countries have abandoned shipbuilding activities altogether. Today, approximately 300 shipyards operate in a maritime industrial network of more than 9000 companies. The shipbuilding sector employs around 110.000 people directly and European shipbuilding companies and suppliers directly and indirectly employ around 350.000 people.

Through its activities the EMF shipbuilding committee has made a major contribution to shaping EMF sectoral policies. It is engaged in an active dialogue with the European Commission services and the European Parliament. It staged the first European-wide action day in 1999 against global competitive distortions. It contributed to and participated in the development of the EU industrial policy initiative LeaderSHIP 2015. Furthermore, the shipbuilding sector was the first branch of the metal sector to develop an institutionalized sectoral social dialogue with the CESA, the Community of European Shipyards’ associations.

For more information, please contact Andrea Husen-Bradley, Senior Adviser.