Maritime technology is an innovative and advanced manufacturing sector that includes all the phases from the research and design to the construction, maintenance and repair of ships and other maritime structures. The sector comprises shipyards, system, technology and equipment suppliers.

European shipyards build the most high-tech and complex vessels in the global market: cruise ships, ferries, offshore vessels and platforms, fishing vessels, dredgers, research vessels, mega-yachts, naval ships, submarines, aircraft carriers, etc. Building this type of ships is very complex as most of the ships built in Europe are unique prototypes designed according to the specific needs of the owner. The sector is in fact characterised by long development phases and long manufacturing cycles (for example 12 – 24 months for merchant vessels, 24 – 36 months for passenger vessels). Therefore, each vessel is a new challenge.

European maritime equipment and system suppliers develop the technologies required for the operation of each vessel: propulsion, navigation, cargo handling, drilling, surveillance equipment etc. These companies also provide solutions for a broader range of maritime activities such as offshore energy generation (marine energies, offshore wind, electric substations, etc).