Upcoming Trade Shows in France for Shipping

France has launched an ambitious strategy to reshape its maritime sector as it aims for a zero-emission future with a €300 million public investment plan to support decarbonization. The France-Mer 2030 plan represents a national commitment to transform the country’s shipping industry into a global leader in sustainable maritime transport. The scope of the plan focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide, across all types of vessels. At the heart of the initiative is the vision of building zero-emission ships, powered by clean energy solutions and designed with sustainability in mind. France’s domestic shipbuilding capacity has declined significantly, with only 12% of vessels used in French waters currently built in the country, down from 80% in 1980. This plan seeks not only to address environmental concerns but to rejuvenate the national shipbuilding industry by investing in the next generation of green maritime technologies. A 10-month consultation period is now underway, inviting stakeholders from all corners of the maritime world (these would include commercial shippers, fishing fleets, recreational boat manufacturers, and technology developers) to help define a tailored decarbonization trajectory for each vessel type. The government plans to use input from this consultation to identify technological roadblocks and design support frameworks that accelerate innovation. Armateurs de France, the country’s leading shipowners' association, representing around 1,000 vessels across a range of sectors, has thrown its support behind the initiative. With deep expertise in cargo and passenger transport, offshore services, port operations, and research, the association has long championed sustainable growth under its Blue Charter. The charter, revised in 2019, reflects the industry’s intention to balance environmental responsibility with economic and social development. The France-Mer 2030 plan is not just a policy announcement; it is a rallying cry for transformation.