Hereu confirms strong momentum in Spanish private shipyards with over €3 billion in orders - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, has reaffirmed the positive outlook for the country’s private shipbuilding sector following a meeting with PYMAR executives at the ministry’s headquarters. The sector continues to show robust growth, with rising employment, strong order books and increasing international relevance.

Record activity and growing economic impact

The Spanish shipbuilding industry now generates more than 88,700 jobs, marking a 15% year-on-year increase, and contributes over €12.7 billion to the national economy, up 21% compared to the previous year. In 2025, private shipyards reached their highest level of activity in 15 years, with 65 vessels in their order books valued at more than €3 billion.

Spain has established itself as the second-largest shipbuilding power in the European Union in terms of contracting and order volume, with more than 90% of contracts destined for export markets. The country is also responsible for over 20% of the global portfolio of vessels with hydrogen-based capabilities. In addition, Spain leads the EU in offshore wind, oceanographic research, aquaculture and passenger transport.

Strategic sector with strong public-private cooperation

During the meeting, Hereu described shipbuilding as “a strategic sector for our economy that represents the effort, innovation and resilience of our industry.” He also highlighted the 40th anniversary of PYMAR, noting its role as a key example of successful public-private collaboration and its contribution to the modernization, internationalization and sustainability of the Spanish naval industry.

PYMAR representatives emphasized the strong position of Spanish private shipyards, which place the country at the forefront of the global shipbuilding industry and reinforce its strategic autonomy within both Spain and the European Union.

European strategy and future opportunities

Discussions also covered the newly adopted EU Maritime Industrial Strategy, approved by the European Commission on March 4. PYMAR has actively contributed to its development, working closely with the ministry and participating in strategic dialogues in Brussels.

Hereu stressed the importance of addressing future needs in terms of competitiveness, diversification, internationalization and talent development. Almudena López del Pozo, CEO of PYMAR, stated that “our shipyards have reached historic levels of activity and lead key markets for European strategic autonomy. At a time when Europe needs to strengthen its industrial capacities in defense and security, the Spanish private shipbuilding industry offers a solid, innovative base committed to sustainability and digital transformation.”

Growth potential in key sectors

Rising demand in strategic areas such as offshore renewable energy, freight and passenger transport, food production through fisheries and aquaculture, as well as defense and security, presents significant opportunities for the Spanish shipbuilding industry. Private shipyards already hold a strong position across these markets.

In particular, the sector’s role in defense and security was highlighted. Over the past 25 years, Spanish private shipyards have built more than 100 vessels related to this segment, which reached its highest level of activity in 2025 and currently represents 11% of the order book. Strengthening the private naval industrial base is seen as key to enhancing production capacity and strategic autonomy in military shipbuilding.

Sustaining competitiveness

The meeting also reviewed the main instruments supporting the international competitiveness of Spanish private shipyards. PYMAR’s role remains central, with its credit rating upgraded to A- by Fitch. In 2025, the organization participated in financing operations for the construction of 12 new vessels, with a combined value exceeding €575 million.

Image Credit: © Government of Spain. Ministry of industry and tourism