Economic effects of maritime spatial planning

The question to be answered in this study is whether Maritime Spatial Planning leads to these desired effects. More specifically, it aims to find out whether and on which scale economic effects for maritime stakeholders in the European Union will occur due to Maritime Spatial Planning.

In order to answer this question, Maritime Spatial Planning has first been conceptualised, addressing items such as the input and process needed to achieve Maritime Spatial Planning as well as the effects likely to result. It was found that if the process is managed properly the economic effects are fourfold:

(1) enhanced coordination and simplified decision processes,
(2) enhanced legal certainty for all stakeholders in the maritime arena,
(3) enhanced cross border cooperation and
(4) enhanced coherence with other planning systems.

Furthermore, several additional non-economic effects are likely to result from MSP, such as support for management in realising a good environmental status in the coasts and seas. The economic effects were subsequently studied in relation to dominant economic paradigms.

This resulted in a clear and non-ambiguous set of three main economic effects of Maritime Spatial Planning. Firstly, coordination efficiency for governments is likely to result due to improved and integrated decision making. Secondly, proper Maritime Spatial Planning leads to reduced transaction costs for maritime activities (economic terminology for search, legal, administrative and opportunity costs) operating in the maritime arena. Thirdly, societies benefit from the enhanced certainty resulting in an improved investment climate.