The European Parliament and the Council have reached an agreement on the Fuel EU Maritime regulation to decarbonize maritime transport. The text sets a trajectory for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% between now and 2050, requires the electrification of ships at berth by 2030 and develops mechanisms to strengthen the use of clean means of propulsion.
‘Finally – Europe is determining a clear trajectory. To achieve this objective, shipowners, European or not, will have to do without fossil fuels. and use clean means of propulsion,’ said MEP Pierre Karleskind, who sits on the Committee for Transport and Tourism.
He commented that sail is recognised as an effective technology for decarbonising maritime transport, and the installation of any type of sailing technology is a strong positive in calculating carbon intensity.
‘At the start of the negotiations, no one wanted to hear about sail propulsion. Today, it is officially recognised in European law as a means of decarbonisation,’ he said.
The Fuel EU Maritime agreement also develops the use of carbon-free fuels, as alternatives to fossil fuels.
‘The development of synthetic fuels is essential to the decarbonisation of maritime transport. To achieve greenhouse gas reduction targets and remain competitive, the combination of several means of propulsion is essential,’ Pierre Karleskind said.
