The Community of European Shipyards’ Association (CESA) and the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) called upon the European Commission and the European Investment Bank to support the construction of new boats to serve the expanding offshore wind energy market.

At a meeting in Brussels, CESA and EWEA urged for the development of new programs and funding mechanisms to ensure there will be a sufficient number of vessels available to the offshore wind industry. They also argued for the identification of offshore wind as a key industry in the EU’s 2020 strategy for smart, green growth.

The offshore wind industry currently employs 19,000 people. This number is expected to increase to 156,000 by 2020.