La Junta abre ventanilla para solicitar ayudas por 15,2 millones para fortalecer la industria naval auxiliar

The Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mines of the Andalusian Government, Jorge Paradela, announced today in Seville, at the Almirante Bonifaz Forum organized by Ghenova, that the Andalusian Government has opened this week the door to submit projects and request assistance from the Just Transition Fund linked to the flagship project for the strengthening of the naval auxiliary industry in the province of Cadiz.

Paradela highlighted «the current situation of the European defense industry and its need for rearmament» and stated that «from the Government of Andalusia, we are committed to this by supporting it through instruments like these aids that have been available for application since last Monday,» he explained.

In this regard, he emphasized the weight of the naval sector in the Andalusian economy with a contribution to the regional GDP of 1.23% and 3.9% of the Gross Value Added (GVA) of the industrial sector. Its value chain includes about 370 companies that generate around 1.426 million in annual revenue and create about 14,500 jobs.

The Minister recalled that the €15.2 million in aids for the naval auxiliary industry, mainly aimed at SMEs, focus on supporting the development of products that enable them to position themselves in the market, with special attention to sustainable projects with technological input, and initiatives related to the naval-port sector.

Furthermore, the incentives aim to strengthen their capacities and improve the adaptation of their processes through the implementation of digital technologies, improvements in industrial organization, and the acceleration of new industrial activities and services. Interested companies and entities have a three-month period to submit their requests.

The Minister noted that rearming Europe can, at the same time, «be an opportunity to strengthen and grow our industrial sector and make it more present on the European stage.» He assured that the Andalusian Government «has been working with the sector on the implementation of a proactive industrial policy, with a special focus on the aerospace, defense, naval, and advanced logistics sectors, considering them crucial for international connectivity and attracting investments.»

Aviation hub, advanced logistics, and industrial development in Valle del Guadiato

In addition to the window for aids linked to boosting the naval auxiliary industry, the deadline has been opened to present initiatives and request incentives aimed at promoting a sustainable aviation hub in Jerez, advanced logistics projects in Córdoba, and sustainable industrial development in Valle del Guadiato, also in the province of Córdoba.

In the case of Jerez, €17.3 million from the European Just Transition Fund are allocated to transform the city into a specialized center for sustainable aviation operations, creating new opportunities in the development of innovative solutions related to new fuels and green hydrogen, with maintenance operations, repair and operations of aircraft (MRO in English) or the manufacturing of elements for unmanned aerial systems. Interested companies and entities will have a four-month period to submit their applications.

On the other hand, applications can be submitted to benefit from aids aimed at initiatives within the flagship project focused on supporting an industrial ecosystem for advanced logistics in Córdoba. The Andalusian Government allocates €15.4 million in incentives to this initiative, primarily targeting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, as well as associations or business groups, who will have a three-month period for their application. These aids aim to generate new industrial growth opportunities and «take full advantage of the potential that will come with Córdoba having the Army Land Logistics Base.

Lastly, also in the province of Córdoba, the deadline is open to submit projects and request aids linked to the flagship project within the Just Transition incentives that aim to promote sustainable industrial development in Valle del Guadiato through the implementation of projects harnessing the natural resources of the region, with aids amounting to €15.2 million.

These are aimed at supporting projects developed within the value chains of biomass, clean or sustainable fuel production, circular economy, metal recovery, as well as infrastructures that need to be improved or implemented to support these initiatives. These aids, with a four-month application deadline, primarily target micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises, as well as large companies, although local territorial entities or the local public sector can also submit projects.