Gesprekspunten Schultz bij de opening Europort 2013
Gesprekspunten minister Schultz bij de opening van Europort 2013 in Ahoy Rotterdam, 5 november 2013 (Alleen in Engels beschikbaar).
“De belangrijkste vraagstukken en uitdagingen van de maritieme sector zijn per definitie internationaal. Ze vragen om koplopers, mensen die willen innoveren. Pioniers dus! De toekomst ligt bij de slimmere, schone scheepvaart. Daar liggen kansen voor innovatie; daar liggen dus ook kansen voor versterking van de concurrentiepositie.” Dat zei de minister bij de opening van Europort, een van de grootste vakbeurzen op het gebied van scheepbouw en scheepvaart.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome to Rotterdam! Welcome to Europort 2013!
Over the next four days, this will be the centre of the maritime world!
If there is one single place that highlights the importance of international cooperation, it is the international port of Rotterdam – Europe’s foremost maritime hub.
Ships flying foreign flags account for nearly 90% of all shipping movements in the Dutch part of the North Sea.
Nothing expresses the international character of our maritime industry better than that.
The main challenges and issues facing the sector are international too.
To address them, we need frontrunners, people who want to innovate. In other words, we need pioneers!
So it’s fitting that Europort’s theme is ‘pioneers in maritime technology’.
It’s good to know that those pioneers really do exist.
Let me give you an example.
I visited the Port of Rotterdam earlier this year, in April.
It was an exciting occasion for the industry.
Because it was the launch of one of the first LNG-powered inland waterway vessels in Europe.
It’s the third inland vessel that is powered entirely by LNG.
Last thursday - at the Maritime Awards Gala - this ship ‘The Greenstream’ won the KNVTS Ship of the year award!
It’s a good example of a pioneering business spirit.
A good example of enterprise, innovation and technology, that shows how the market and the public sector can work together.
We need more pioneers.
Especially when we look at the broader context of this trade fair.
These are difficult times, economically.
There is a lot of overcapacity in freight transport.
Intelligent, clean shipbuilding and shipping has the future.
That’s where the opportunities for innovation are – and the opportunities for strengthening your competitive position.
- Shipbuilding and ping companies will increasingly demand cleaner ships.
- Port authorities will step up controls.
- And cleaner ships will benefit, in the form of lower port charges.
- And reducing emissions also means using less fuel, which means lower fuel costs
The huge number of exhibits here, all the know-how and enterprise on show, is simply fantastic.
The Green Route(1) is a real showcase for innovation.
This trade fair gives an enormous boost towards a strong and clean shipbuilding industry.
I myself am doing what I can to help the maritime industry move forward.
Because a strong industry is in the Netherlands’ interest!
First, I support and promote transport by water.
I have signed agreements with companies on improving the infrastructure of our waterways. In return they have made agreements on freight transport by water.
Companies on Maasvlakte 2 have themselves set concrete targets.
So we are seeing real progress on this front.
Second the Dutch government is contributing by means of legislation. - And mr Hamers mentioned the importance of regulation.
In the next few years, several new international environmental laws will be introduced for the maritime industry.
Stricter rules on sulphur and nitrogen emissions. On CO2 emissions reduction. And the Ballast Water Management Convention.
Our maritime sector is committed to the environmental targets and has cooperated with all changes in this area.
But now, when the time has come to implement these new regulations and conventions, the economic tide has turned, making it difficult to comply with the new standards.
I am not deaf to the problems. That is why I want to work with the sector and develop solutions at international level.
Not only because we have committed ourselves to that. But because investing in clean technologies also means a stronger competitive position.
The third way to help the maritime industry is calling for a level international playing field.
By definition, maritime industry is a global industry.
So we should make global arrangements wherever we can.
I believe EU regulations should not be stricter than global regulations.
Such as the targets on reducing CO2 emissions – they are most effective when agreed at global level.
That is the position I support.
Finally, the future of the maritime industry depends on the availability of enough skilled professionals.
Human capital is our most important resource.
We are facing a global shortage of seagoing and technical personnel.
Everyone who enrols in a Dutch maritime college is certain of a job!
It’s good that Europort is also focusing on human capital.
We must do everything we can to attract talented young people.
In the Netherlands, we are funding short work placements for secondary school pupils who want to know what this industry is all about.
I invite every pupil to consider taking part.
Perhaps Europort 2013 is a good introduction.
Because this is an excellent showcase for the shipping industry.
For the next three days, Rotterdam will be the centre of the maritime world.
You are here as pioneers.
You have set your course towards a sustainable, innovative future. A future full of opportunity for the maritime industry.
I wish you a safe voyage!
(1) Green Route: Een route van 48 geselecteerde bedrijven die zich inzetten voor duurzame maritieme industrie.