The Shipyard Gap: Mapping European Dry-Dock Capacity Against Projected Naval Demand to 2030
This report examines the structural relationship between naval power and sustainment capacity in Europe, focusing on whether existing dry-dock infrastructure, maintenance and repair throughput, and associated industrial ecosystems are sufficient to support NATO and EU naval force levels through 2030. It analyses how increased operational tempo, higher utilisation rates, and the prospect of prolonged high-intensity conflict are placing sustained pressure on European shipyards and maintenance systems that were largely designed for peacetime assumptions. By mapping the distribution of dry-dock capacity, identifying key industrial and workforce bottlenecks, and assessing the alignment between strategic objectives, governance frameworks, and financing instruments, the report treats naval sustainment as a determinant of readiness, deterrence credibility, and operational endurance, rather than as a secondary logistical function.