The government has launched the first wave of a major maritime performance program, aiming to boost Spain’s shipbuilding and related industries. A substantial grant of 30 million euros was allocated through this call, underscoring a strong commitment to advancing maritime R&D and development across the sector. According to the Ministry of Industry, the deadline for applications is September 5th, inviting companies, research centers, and public partners to submit proposals that align with national industrial priorities and the needs of the sea economy.
The initiative is administered by the Center for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI) and is designed to stimulate research and development in the maritime field. Its overarching objective is to raise the competitiveness of Spanish shipyards, foster public-private collaboration, and accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies that support a robust, resilient maritime industry in the 21st century. The program embodies a mission to promote practical technologies that strengthen the maritime sector’s standing and long-term viability, as stated by the controlling authorities. (Attribution: Ministry of Industry)
In addition to the general call, the navy PERTE industrial plan forms a key component of the broader technological strategy. Scheduled for September, this initiative is geared toward channeling a larger funding envelope, with an anticipated total investment of 200 million euros. This allocation is intended to accelerate modernization efforts across naval and maritime domains, drive efficiency, and unlock new capabilities that will benefit both public and private stakeholders. (Attribution: Ministry of Industry)
A further major strand is the Deniz PERTE, which represents a substantial commitment within the maritime portfolio. The plan envisions an overall investment of 1,460 million euros, with public support estimated at 310 million euros and private sector contributions totaling 1,150 million euros. This scale of investment signals a strategic push to advance cutting-edge technologies, from propulsion and digitalization to decarbonization and sustainable operations across maritime activities. (Attribution: Ministry of Industry)
The core aims of this PERTE framework include maintaining and expanding the maritime sector’s role in national industrial autonomy, broadening the diversification of activities into marine renewable energy, and accelerating the digitization of the entire value chain. By prioritizing environmental sustainability and raising the skill level of the workforce, the program seeks to create a more competitive industry that can adapt to evolving global markets and regulatory landscapes. (Attribution: Ministry of Industry)
Officials emphasize that the marine PERTE is expected to restructure the industrial value chain within the maritime sector, enabling a shift toward renewable energy applications at sea and the development of low-emission vessels. Such a transformation is seen as a catalyst for broader industrial synergies, encouraging cross-sector collaboration and new business models that leverage digital technologies, data analytics, and advanced manufacturing. (Attribution: Ministry of Industry)
From a policy perspective, the navy PERTE is viewed as a strategic modernization effort aimed at strengthening Spain’s competitive edge. Projections indicate an approximate 15% uplift in competitiveness and an annual growth trajectory around 9%, reflecting ambitious targets tied to productivity gains, export potential, and long-term value creation across maritime supply chains. (Attribution: Ministry of Industry)
Beyond economic metrics, the plan is expected to create roughly 3,100 high-quality jobs, with particular emphasis on regional development and revitalization in surrounding communities. By generating employment with skilled, sustainable roles, the initiative supports broader demographic and social objectives, reinforcing the government’s policy agenda to foster balanced growth in coastal and inland areas alike. (Attribution: Ministry of Industry)
Commenting on the broader significance, a government minister highlighted that Navy PERTE demonstrates the state’s dedication to promoting a robust Spanish maritime sector. The program is framed as a strategic lever for achieving industrial autonomy for Spain and Europe, expanding the sector’s diversity while advancing sustainable, technologically driven, and digitally enabled industrial capabilities. The aim is to fuel technological progress, generate high-quality employment, and deliver tangible economic and social returns that strengthen the maritime ecosystem. (Attribution: Ministry of Industry)