Wind propulsion technologies: the next EU industrial success story?
Wind propulsion technologies: the next EU industrial success story?
Hosted by MEP Christophe Clergeau, Chair of the SEArica Intergroup & Organised with the support of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR), The Wind Ship Association and the INTERREG project Wind for Shipping.
17 March 2026 | 08:00–09:30, European Parliament in Brussels
The maritime sector is at a pivotal moment in its decarbonisation journey. The European Green Deal and the recently adopted FuelEU Maritime Regulation set ambitious targets for reducing emissions from shipping, while industry is developing a wide range of innovative solutions. Among these, wind propulsion technologies are gaining traction as a scalable, competitive, and sustainable pathway to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The Wind Ship Association and the INTERREG project Wind for Shipping join forces with the SEARICA Intergroup to organize a policy discussion whose objective is to raise awareness about the great potential of the wind propulsion industry to answer to the double objective reindustrializing while decarbonizing. From industry testimonials to open discussion about supportive policy instruments, the session will engage various stakeholders from EU institutions, industry and civil society to create a policy-centered discussion around the needs of the sector and its potential to place the EU ahead of global competition in the race for maritime cleantech.
Event Properties
| Event Date | 17-03-2026 8:00 |
| Event End Date | 17-03-2026 9:30 |
| Categories | Conférence 2025-2029,Blue Economy, Maritime Industries and Ports,Marine and Maritime Research ,Maritime Transport |
| Attachment | Wind for Ships_PolicySession_1703.pdf |
the SEArica intergroup is re-established
Brussels, February 2025
Charting a new course: the Seas, Rivers, Islands & Coastal Areas Intergroup (SEArica) is re-established in the European Parliament
Continuing its longstanding mission since 2009, the Seas, Rivers, Islands & Coastal Areas (SEArica) intergroup has been successfully re-established as one of the 28 intergroups of the European Parliament. SEArica unites Members of the European Parliament who share a commitment to elevating seas, oceans, and coastal challenges to the top of the European political agenda.
This re-establishment comes at a decisive moment for European maritime policies. By unveiling a European vision with the European Ocean Pact ahead of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025, Europe must lead the way toward ambitious international ocean governance. The European Ocean Pact was first announced by President von der Leyen in her political guidelines for 2024-2029, and later confirmed in the mission letter of Commissioner Costas Kadis.
“The European Ocean Pact is a great opportunity to strengthen our sovereignty, protect the environment, support sustainable jobs in the blue economy, and empower our coastal and island communities. To achieve this, we need an open dialogue with different political forces and stakeholders. The SEArica intergroup is the platform for such dialogue. Our launch event for the intergroup has shown that we can unite behind the European Ocean Pact. This pact can be a win-win for NGOs, industries, policymakers, and citizens alike,” declared Christophe Clergeau, Chair of SEArica Intergroup.
“Tonight, we gave the floor to representatives and stakeholders with different perspectives, yet united in the aim of shaping an ambitious European Ocean Pact—one that goes beyond mere promises, one that delivers results. This evening marks the beginning of a ‘blue coalition’ working towards this common goal,” added Christophe Clergeau.
The re-established intergroup will bring together co-legislators, policymakers, stakeholders, and experts to work collaboratively on maritime and coastal challenges. In the presence of the Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis, and Special Envoy of the President of the French Republic for the United Nations Ocean Conference, Ambassador for the Poles and Oceans, Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, the SEArica’s inaugural event took place on February 5 in Brussels, setting sail on a new, timely journey for SEArica.
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What is an Intergroup?
The Seas, Rivers, Islands and Coastal Areas Intergroup is one of the 28 Intergroups that were approved in December 2024 by the Conference of Presidents for the 10th legislature of the European Parliament. Intergroups can be formed by MEPs from any political group and any parliamentary committee with a view to holding informal exchanges of views on particular issues and promoting contact between MEPs and civil society.
