The Spanish-flagged ship fleet faced a new setback in 2023. For the first time in history, fewer than a hundred merchant vessels started the year under the national flag, specifically 93. This continues a trend seen over the last decade, driven by reduced competitiveness of the Canary Islands Special Register (REC) compared with other European registries. In the previous year, up to 19 vessels under Spanish control left the national flag, the vast majority of general cargo ships, with eight fewer overall. Passenger ships also declined by three, along with tankers, gas carriers, and ro-ro vessels, each losing two ships. Meanwhile, in other flags, the number of registrations rose by 13 ships. The scenario is outlined in the latest report entitled Maritime Fleet and Shipping 2023/2024, released this week by the Spanish Shipowners Association. The association’s president notes in the foreword the need for a motion from Congress to translate into concrete measures that allow Spanish-flagged companies to compete on equal terms with the rest of Europe’s registries. The reference is to issues such as the blockage that prevents non-EU crew members from joining REC ships.
Context is tough. The Valencia-based shipowner also recalls that national shipowners have faced a period marked by a flood of new regulations, limited dry-dock space in shipyards, high prices for new builds, and high interest rates, all compounded by uncertainty around the energy transition. He calls on the government to adopt an ambitious decarbonization plan for maritime transport that helps accelerate a shift in which Spain holds a privileged position to seize opportunities. The document highlights measures such as fleet renewal programs, tax incentives, and financial leasing mechanisms intended to spur investments. He stresses that financing remains essential for medium and small shipping companies, which form the backbone of Spain’s maritime transport.
Another key focus in the balance is the impact of emission rights, the ETS. According to the sector’s most conservative estimates, these costs will average about 1.3 million euros per ship per year for Spanish shipping lines, with further implications from the forthcoming FuelEU Maritime regulation set to take effect next year. Penalties will grow as long as green fuels are not widely available, the report notes, escaping the control of shipowners. In light of this situation, the association argues that 100 percent of port transport revenues should be reinvested in the sector through targeted calls for fleet renewal and to narrow the price gap between conventional fuels and new fuels.
Boluda highlights the importance of encouraging the recruitment of Spanish workers into the maritime sector. At the association’s general meeting, the president underscored the need to actively promote the availability of graduates and professionals with proper training and a clear ambition to build a maritime career in a moment when there is a shortage of skilled labor. The industry’s statement after the gathering emphasizes that maritime work offers high-quality, highly skilled employment with significant added value, enabling sailors to develop practical and technical competencies that open many doors for career progression on land.