Netherlands Maritime Technology
NMT-IRO
Brancheorganisatie NMT-IRO verbindt, vertegenwoordigt en versterkt de maritieme maakindustrie van Nederland en richting Brussel.
ID: 628362198290-21
Lobbying Activity
Response to Trade measure addressing the negative trade-related effects of global excess capacity on the EU steel sector
12 Dec 2025
Maritime & Offshore NL would like to thank the European Commission for the opportunity to provide input on the legislative proposal regarding the protection of the EU steel industry from the unfair impacts of global overcapacity. As the representative body for the Dutch maritime manufacturing and offshore industry, with 850 members and 150,000 jobs, we emphasize the importance of a strong and strategic European sector. Our industry is highly dependent on high-quality steel products for the construction and maintenance of ships, foundations, and platforms. The availability, price, and quality of steel are crucial for our international competitiveness. We recognize the need for a robust European steel industry as the foundation for a future-proof, competitive, and innovative European market. However, the current proposal for stricter import restrictions and higher tariffs has direct and significant consequences for the maritime and offshore sectors. Both sectors face unique challenges: For shipbuilding, certain high-quality steel types (such as quarto plates and HP profiles) are scarcely available within Europe, making the sector vulnerable to price increases and supply uncertainty. In the offshore sector, especially offshore wind, the current framework allows finished steel products to be imported without tariffs, while raw materials are taxed. This creates an uneven playing field and risks undermining Europes strategic autonomy and energy transition goals. We observe that: 1. For the maritime industry: Rising steel prices due to higher import tariffs worsen the competitive position of European industry compared to Asian players, especially China. 2. For the offshore industry: The proposal is unbalanced if only raw materials are taxed and not finished products, as this enables continued imports of cheap steel via finished goods, threatening jobs, technological leadership, and the resilience of the European supply chain. 3. The impact of the proposed Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) is difficult to assess due to fragmented supply chains, but early indications are that costs will rise, margins will be squeezed, and order books may suffer, as seen previously with US import tariffs. Recommendations from the Maritime & Offshore Industry are: Remove CN codes for quarto plates and HP profiles (7208.xx, 7210.xx, 7225.xx & 7216.xx) from the annexes of the legislative proposal, as these are not sufficiently produced in the EU and are critical for our sector. Add CN codes for offshore foundations and substations (7308.xx, 8502.xx, 8412.xx) to the annexes to prevent circumvention and ensure a level playing field. Ensure the regulation can be quickly adjusted if shortcomings are identified; a two-year adjustment period is too long. Limit administrative burdens, provide clear guidance on traceability requirements, and ensure transparent decision-making with meaningful input from the processing industry. We urge the Commission to adopt a nuanced approach that protects not only primary steel producers but also the entire value chain, including strategic sectors such as maritime and offshore. This is essential for maintaining innovation, employment, and Europes strategic autonomy.
Read full responseResponse to Future development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Europe
2 Dec 2025
Maritime & Offshore NL (former NMT-IRO) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Call for Evidence on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The NuclearDrive initiative, launched under the Dutch Maritime Manufacturing Industry Sector Agenda, aims to develop standardized, modular SMRs for maritime propulsion and offshore platforms. This response highlights the strategic importance of SMRs for shipping decarbonisation, EU industrial leadership, and global competitiveness. We call for a harmonized EU framework, dedicated funding, and coordinated action to enable safe, innovative nuclear propulsion in civilian shipping. Hence, the European Commissions SMR strategy sets a clear ambition: accelerate the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by the early 2030s to meet decarbonisation targets and strengthen industrial competitiveness. However, maritime applications remain underrepresented, despite their potential to deliver zero-emission propulsion for deep-sea shipping and offshore platforms. By explicitly including maritime SMRs, Europe can secure a pioneering role in sustainable shipping and nuclear innovation, reinforcing strategic autonomy and climate leadership. However, the development of maritime Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Europe is currently constrained by several structural challenges. Regulatory gaps are a major issue: there is no harmonized EU licensing system for reactors on mobile platforms. It is therefore essential to establish an EU-wide licensing framework for maritime SMRs. In terms of industrial readiness, European shipyards can meet nuclear-grade standards, provided targeted upgrades are implemented. To accelerate this process, the creation of an EU Maritime Nuclear Alliance is proposed to bring together shipyards, OEMs, and suppliers. Regarding technology integration, feasibility studies indicate that SMR integration in ships is currently at TRL levels 35. This calls for shared testbeds and digital twin infrastructure to enable safety validation. Financing is another obstacle: existing EU instruments do not accommodate nuclear maritime projects. A Dedicated EU Demonstrator Window for maritime SMRs should therefore be established. There is also a lack of skills and certification. No training standards exist for nuclear propulsion officers or shipyard personnel. Developing an EU Skills Blueprint for nuclear maritime engineering is crucial. Finally, public acceptance plays a key role. Ports and coastal communities require clear safety cases and transparent engagement. Supporting structured societal dialogue and youth engagement programs is essential to build trust and acceptance. We call for the EC to: 1. Harmonize nuclear and maritime regulations in a Joint Licensing Framework and to Develop an EU-wide fast-track licensing process for maritime SMR demonstrators. 2. To accelerate innovation, the EU should establish a dedicated Demonstrator Window for maritime SMR pilot projects. These initiatives must be closely linked to Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI), European Defence Fund (EDF) and Horizon Europe programs to support research, development, and prototype deployment. 3. To expand the existing SMR Skills Blueprint to include maritime-specific competencies. In addition, the creation of ESCO profiles for nuclear-maritime professions will ensure standardized qualifications and facilitate workforce mobility across Member States. 4. Build societal trust. This is essential for successful deployment. SMR awareness campaigns should be integrated with port authorities and maritime stakeholders to ensure transparent communication. Furthermore, educational programs targeting youth and industry professionals will foster informed engagement and long-term acceptance. The EC SMR strategy sets a clear course for innovation and sustainability. By explicitly integrating maritime applications, Europe can secure a pioneering role in zero-emission shipping and nuclear technology leadership.
Read full responseResponse to EU industrial maritime strategy
25 Jul 2025
NMT-IRO, the Dutch association for the maritime manufacturing and offshore energy industry, represents 850 companies, including over 500 specialized SMEs. NMT- IRO welcomes the opportunity to provide input on the call for evidence in relation to the upcoming European Maritime Industry Strategy. In this respect, the Dutch sectoral agenda for the maritime manufacturing industry exemplifies modern industrial policy. The maritime manufacturing sector is paramount to achieving strategic autonomyenabling the movement of troops and equipment, ensuring food security, supporting economic resilience, promoting climate mitigation and adaptation and facilitating in critical raw materials and energy production. It is therefore crucial to identify opportunities where added value can be created or sustained within preferred European value chains. NMT-IRO emphasizes the importance of EU-wide cooperation to ensure fair global competition. A level playing field is essential to safeguard Europes strategic interests in security and the digitalised transition to a climate-neutral economy. Identifying lead markets, such as specialized vessels for defence or support vessels for offshore energy, is crucial for building resilient value chains. Stimulating demand through European preference criteria, dual-use defence spending, and investments in energy independence creates growth opportunities for the maritime manufacturing industry, expands shipyard capacity, and fosters innovation in newbuild, repair, and retrofit. Strategic autonomy requires connecting supply and demand within a preferred European value chain. Shipyards and suppliers on one side, and shipowners on the other, are two sides of the same coin. EMIS should strengthen this ecosystem with a clean industry first approach. The European Commission is urged to promote cooperation, including public-private partnerships in offshore energy. Fleet renewal and retrofitting should be supported through ETS revenues and preference criteria. Sustainability, resilience, and minimum EU content should be applied in procurement, licensing, and permitting. A cross-border maritime maintenance valley is a welcomed approach along the BelgiumNetherlandsGermany corridor. Also, Harmonisation of offshore wind policy is needed, with uniform permitting procedures, ecological standards, tender planning, and design standardisation. In terms of finance and innovation, NMT-IRO highlights the lack of access to financing due to strict Basel and Solvency rules, which create an uneven playing field compared to other continents. A coordinated European approach is required, with policy frameworks that support defence and commercial R&DI, shipbuilding technologies, and industrial resilience. Funding should be made available to buyers of innovative and sustainable vessels, and support for ESG propositions should be strengthened. Finally, human capital is a critical factor. Between 30% and 50% of companies within NMT-IRO report labour shortages. Labor migration, reskilling, and knowledge sharing are needed to align skills with sector needs. At the same time, digitalisation must be accelerated through cooperation, standardisation, and robotization. The European Commission should reinforce the human capital program with education, career guidance, and innovation initiatives. EU rules on crewing, labour migration, and workforce safety must be harmonised to address shortages and protect maritime workers.
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