Why does Switzerland need a maritime strategy?

With its globally interconnected economy, Switzerland has an interest in compliance with international law in the maritime sector. It is involved in various forums at the global level to ensure that treaties are implemented correctly and that the relevant legal provisions are developed.

Switzerland will focus its engagement primarily on issues relevant to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. The peaceful settlement of disputes must also be strengthened, in particular through the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.

Both consumers and industry depend on the maritime economy, which is at the heart of global value chains. Switzerland plays a global role in the maritime sector. Indeed, Swiss companies are important service providers in the field of global maritime transport, but also in chartering and in the transit of goods. The strategy aims to improve the economic framework conditions in the maritime sector, in particular in the field of taxation (introduction of a tonnage tax) and the attractiveness of nautical professions.

Switzerland is committed to combating pollution and to the sustainable development of the oceans – whether it is ecological, economic or social. The objectives and measures set out in the maritime strategy are intended in particular to help strengthen international cooperation in areas such as the preservation of marine biodiversity, combating plastic pollution, and climate protection. For example, by working within the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Committee on Fisheries and the International Whaling Commission to strengthen controls on the legal and sustainable use of marine resources.

In the strategy, the Federal Council also reaffirms that Switzerland will support the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions from global shipping by 2050 within the framework of the International Maritime Organisation. Switzerland also aims to underscore the importance it attaches to the management of its major transboundary rivers, which flow into the sea.

Research on the seas and oceans plays an essential role in understanding and managing our planet’s climate system. In Switzerland, marine scientists are particularly active in the fields of modelling, biodiversity and ecology. Polar research is also an internationally recognised area of Swiss expertise. However, this expertise is not sufficiently recognised on the world stage and needs to be promoted.

Switzerland also aims to promote access to research vessels for the Swiss scientific community and encourage greater participation in international projects and expeditions.

Swiss-flagged vessels used for commercial navigation are in service all over the world. They are owned by Swiss private companies and operated by Swiss shipowners. However, the legislation on commercial shipping under the Swiss flag, enacted in 1953, is partly obsolete. It no longer takes sufficient account of current needs and circumstances and is no longer internationally competitive.

As a result, the Swiss flag is now flown by only a few Swiss-owned commercial vessels. The revision of maritime law aims to make the Swiss flag more attractive for the Swiss commercial fleet by modernising it, in particular by opening up the conditions for registration, reforming sanctions with a more flexible system, incorporating existing monitoring measures into the law and ensuring that high environmental standards are met, at a minimum in line with international requirements. The aim is to create an attractive flag with a reliable regulatory framework.

The provisions relating to international recreational boating and those relating to international Rhine navigation must also be updated, in particular to facilitate the registration of this type of vessel.