Policy session – Brussels, 17th March 2026
Let's join us in Brussels on 17th March 2026 to explore together the next chapter of the European wind propulsion for ships industry.
We join forces with The Wind Ship Association and 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.
AGENDA
8:00: Registration and breakfast
8:02: Welcoming words from MEP Christophe Clergeau
8:07 - 8:17: Keynote interventions
- Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism
- Catherine Chabaud, Minister Delegate to the Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, and International Negotiations on Climate and Nature, responsible for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
8:17 - 8h47: Panel 1 & discussion with MEPs in the audience
Structuring an EU integrated value chain: Facilitating the creation of a large-scale market for a successful industrialisation
- Adrien Benoist, Strategy and development, Chantiers de l’Atlantique,
- Lise Detrimont, General representative, Wind Ship
- MEP Jeannette Baljeu (Renew, NL)
- Dario Bazargan, European Commission, Policy officer (DG GROW)
8:47 - 8:52: Success story: testimonial from ArianeGroup
8:52 - 9:22: Panel 2 & discussion with MEPs in the audience
Setting-up an enabling legislative and financial framework to support wind propulsion projects
- Frank Neuwenhuis, CEO, Econowind
- MEP Jutta Paulus (Greens, Germany)
- Ruben Davis, senior policy officer, Cleantech for Europe
- Jose Rodrigues Barradas, European Commission, Policy officer, DG MOVE “Waterborne” Unit, Decarbonisation of maritime transport
9:25 - 9:30: Closing remarks
- Raquel Garcia Hermida-van der Walle (Renew, NL)
The INTERREG project Wind for Shipping unites 12 partners across the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and France around a shared mission: to help Europe lead the green and industrial decarbonisation of shipping.
Our focus is to:
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Assess the maturity and scaling potential of wind propulsion technologies for large vessels.
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Industrialise production of key wind propulsion components.
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Promote wind propulsion as a strategic lever to decarbonise shipping and re-industrialise the maritime sector, creating quality jobs, economic resilience, and long-term growth across Europe.
Recent milestones include:
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First large steel wing sail unveiled in Fryslân by Econowind, showing Europe can manufacture clean maritime technology at scale. Experience the energy and the excitement of the moment through video below.
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Comprehensive SWOT and smart-specialisation mapping, confirming European industrial hubs can complement each other to achieve economies of scale. REad more detail on our Wind4Shipping Project Newsletter.
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Competence mapping connecting stakeholders in Brittany, Fryslân, Northern Germany, and East Flanders to strengthen the value chain. Explore the map at Mapping Wind Propulsion Stakeholders Across North West Europe | W4S
The global fleet of wind-propelled commercial vessels now stands at ~100 units, with 130+ retrofits or newbuilds on order signaling a turning tide for shipping. From mast fabrication to shipowners, Europe’s value chain is ready to scale, proving that shipping decarbonisation can drive sovereignty, competitiveness, and industrial renewal