On 4 March 2026, the EU adopted its Ports Strategy and Industrial Maritime Strategy. Circular economy is a clear lever: ship design for circularity, repair and retrofitting, and stronger ship recycling with cradle-to-cradle value chains. Ports are positioned as circular hubs for waste reduction, reception and high-quality recycling.
The new EU Ports Strategy is aimed at strengthening the competitiveness, security, resilience and sustainability of European ports. The strategy recognizes ports as critical gateways for trade, energy and security, and responds to their growing role as multi‑functional industrial hubs. It sets out coordinated actions to accelerate decarbonisation and electrification, promote digitalisation and innovation, reinforce port security and tackle emerging threats, while improving access to investment and skills development. .