What 2025 Will Bring for European Ship Supply and OCEAN

The OCEAN Chair reflects on the year ahead

2025: A Year of Growth & Change for European Ship Supply! OCEAN leads the way with regulatory develpments & modernisation, argues the Chair of OCEAN, Costantino Zavoianni.

What 2025 Will Bring for European Ship Supply and OCEAN

As we embark on a new year, the European ship supply industry stands at the crossroads of both challenge and opportunity. With regulatory changes on the horizon and OCEAN’s ongoing advocacy efforts, 2025 promises to be a year of transformation. OCEAN, our esteemed Brussels-based organisation, remains steadfast in its commitment to shaping EU laws that impact our sector, ensuring that regulation supports rather than hinders ship supply.

A Step Towards Simpler, Smarter Regulation

At the close of last year, concerns over increasing regulatory and reporting obligations loomed large. From the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to forced labour compliance, European ship suppliers faced a growing administrative burden. The complexity of compliance threatened to divert resources from core business operations.

However, the tide is turning. The EU’s new Competitiveness Compass and the forthcoming Omnibus bill signal a much-needed shift towards regulatory relief. The new commitments include:

• A 35% reduction in regulatory and administrative burdens for SMEs and a 25% cut for larger ship suppliers. I am not sure how the EU can measure that, but ok.

• Simplification of sustainability reporting, due diligence, and taxonomy requirements.

• Streamlined EU procedures to allow businesses to focus on growth rather than excessive paperwork.

This renewed focus on cutting red tape is a welcome development. We look forward to working with the new EU Commission to ensure that these commitments translate into tangible improvements for our industry. A more competitive Europe is within reach.

OCEAN’s Modernisation: Preparing for the Future

Internally, 2025 marks the start of an exciting transformation for OCEAN. We are taking proactive steps to strengthen our impact and prepare for the future, ensuring our organisation is fit for purpose as we approach our milestone 50th anniversary in 2026.

Launching the OCEAN Supporter Scheme

In January, we introduced the OCEAN Supporter Scheme, inviting businesses to directly support our advocacy efforts. This initiative not only secures vital resources for our work but also provides participating companies with valuable benefits. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Support@shipsupply.eu for details.

A Call for Artists: Celebrating 50 Years of OCEAN

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we are seeking hobbyist and professional artists to create a commemorative painting for our 50th birthday. If you or someone you know would like to contribute to this special project, please reach out!

More Exciting Plans Ahead

Beyond these initiatives, we have an array of projects in the pipeline to modernise OCEAN and ensure our continued effectiveness. While we won’t reveal everything just yet, we can say with confidence that 2025 is a year of growth, renewal, and preparation for the next chapter in OCEAN’s history.

A Year of Progress and Celebration

With regulatory simplifications, internal modernisation, and a renewed focus on industry growth, 2025 is set to be a landmark year for the European ship supply sector. OCEAN remains at the forefront, advocating for policies that empower ship suppliers while ensuring sustainability and competitiveness.

Carl and I will be right there alongside you as we navigate these exciting changes together. Let’s make this a year to remember—closing the final chapter of our 40th anniversary with a bang and steaming full speed ahead into our 50th!