In the last session of its legislative period, the European Parliament adopted an important target for future capacities for “green fuels” – to the satisfaction of European shipowners.
The “Net-Zero Industry Act” is intended to expand industrial capacities for green technologies in Europe. The list of “net-zero technologies” also includes “clean fuels” for shipping, including advanced biofuels and e-fuels [ds_preview],
The EU Shipowners’ Association(ECSA) “strongly” welcomed this, according to a statement. The new project introduces a target for the Commission and EU member states to cover 40% of the demand for clean fuels for shipping with the corresponding production capacities.
“Important step” for the use of alternative fuels
“This is an important step to ensure that clean fuels for shipping are available on the market at an affordable price, which is a prerequisite for shipping to reach its target under the EU Maritime Fuel Regulation,” writes ECSA. Increasing the production and use of clean fuels for shipping is a top priority for the European shipping industry.
“European shipowners have consistently called for a mandate for European fuel suppliers to increase production and make clean, affordable and safe fuels available on the market. Aligning the European fuel industry’s capacity with EU targets under FuelEU Maritime is crucial,” said ECSA Secretary General Sotiris Raptis. They will work closely with the Commission to ensure that the 40% benchmark is translated into immediate action.
