Clean Maritime Fuels Platform calls on policymakers to create the regulatory conditions to unlock investments in the production of clean maritime fuels in the EU. The Draghi Report estimates that €40 billion in annual investments will be needed between 2031 and 2050 for the energy transition of shipping.
The Clean Maritime Fuels Platform is a bottom-up industry initiative aiming to enhance communication between the shipping sector and fuel producers and to identify common challenges and possible solutions, considering the implementation of the Fit for 55 package and the transition to a net-zero economy by 2050.
Building a supply chain for clean fuels in Europe is a priority for the industry to meet its decarbonization targets and for Europe to achieve its climate targets.
Clean Maritime Fuels Platform supports the report’s conclusions regarding the need to:
- De-risk investments in renewable and low carbon fuels, for example via schemes based on Contracts for Difference and auctions as a service.
- Launch dedicated sectoral calls under the Innovation Fund for the first deployment of decarbonization solutions. The 20 million EU ETS allowances allocated to the decarbonization of the maritime sector until 2030 should be used as soon as possible.
- Expand existing funding mechanisms for refueling and recharging infrastructure.
- Start building a supply chain for renewable and low-carbon fuels in the EU.
European manufacturing capacity should match demand for clean shipping fuels in Europe as much as possible, in line with the benchmark of the Net-Zero Industry Act.
Sotiris Raptis, ECSA Secretary General, said: “The Draghi Report has recognized the global leadership of European shipping and the need to remain internationally competitive. In order to meet our targets, we need clean fuels available in the market in sufficient quantities and at an affordable price.
“To ensure that the shipping energy transition happen, the EU should de-risk investment in renewable and low carbon fuels and start building a supply chain for renewable and low-carbon fuels in the EU. Moreover, existing funding mechanisms for refueling infrastructure should be expanded to better ensure the security of supply of clean fuels for shipping.”
Liana Gouta, Director General of FuelsEurope, said: “Mr. Draghi’s report acknowledges the strategic role of renewable and low-carbon fuels, particularly in decarbonizing all transport modes. His report highlights the EU’s leadership in this area and calls for a truly technology-neutral approach.
“We, European Fuel Manufacturers, believe the right EU policy framework and subsidies can create a robust business case to attract private investments and avoid de-industrialization, help the EU successfully deliver climate neutrality by 2050, ensure a secure supply of energy, and foster innovative, EU-based, globally competitive industry for the welfare of EU economies and citizens.”
Ralf Diemer, Managing Director of the eFuel Alliance, said: “By linking the FuelEU Maritime with the supply mandates of the Renewable Energy Directive and abolishing stringent eligibility criteria, we can gradually increase eFuel capacities in the maritime sector.”
Angel Alvarez Alberdi, Secretary General of EWABA, said: “The following decade will lead to a fundamental shift in the European maritime fuel supply structure owing to the introduction of new regulations. The Draghi report places renewable and low-carbon fuels at the forefront of decarbonization for the hard-to-abate maritime sector, and our industry is fully ready to support European shipowners to achieve this transition in a sustainable and cost-efficient way.”
Daniel Fraile, Chief Policy Officer of Hydrogen Europe, said: “It is crucial to create a fertile environment for companies to invest in the production of competitive clean shipping fuels in Europe. Building on the Net-Zero Industry Act and the recommendations of the Draghi report, policymakers need to focus on to the importance of building a robust European supply chain for hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives in the maritime sector.”
R. Tim Eestermans, Managing Director Europe, Methanol Institute, said: “In the spirit of the Draghi-report, and for stimulating public and private investments, the EU should ensure that its regulations are in line with global developments, also in the maritime domain and notably with the IMO.”
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