Isabelle Barthès, industriAll Europe Deputy General Secretary, welcomed the joint declaration and said:

"We strongly believe that the waterborne transport sector can have a green and prosperous future and that there is a real opportunity for Europe to lead in this important field. European workers have a vital role to play in this respect. They are at the heart of the waterborne transport sector and their contributions are crucial on board vessels and on shore, in transport and in manufacturing. 

"A coordinated effort between public and private sector actors at European level is needed, to allow this strategic sector to thrive and to ensure that the green and digital transitions are fair and just for workers. Up-skilling and re-skilling of the workforce is key for the sector to preserve its competitive position, for innovation leadership and for good industrial jobs!

"As industrial trade unions, we are committed to maintaining a continuous and open dialogue with all waterborne transport stakeholders. We are convinced that maintaining good industrial relations is important to ensure the attractiveness of the shipbuilding industry as it faces a widespread skills shortage."