On 23 March, the European Parliament and the Council agreed on a provisional agreement on the FuelEU Maritime Regulation after intense deliberations. FuelEU Maritime will help fostering the production of low- and zero-carbon fuels to decarbonize waterborne transport, along with climate neutral and zero emission enabling technologies.

SEA Europe welcomes this political agreement as it will set the course for the future development of the maritime industry. SEA Europe welcomes in particular the possibility offered to shipping companies to offset emissions to those shipowners who use renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) from 2025 to 2034. “In the same vein, the 2% renewable fuels usage target set as from 2034 will give fuel producers and shipping companies investment and planning security, and at the same time support the deployment of innovative technologies” said Christophe Tytgat, SEA Europe Secretary General.

Looking ahead to the implementation of the FuelEU Maritime requirements, SEA Europe highlights that minimum targets for the use of renewable fuels are a good start but a true successful utilization of climate neutral or zero-fossil fuels cannot justify inefficient systems that waste resources and energy. “As there will inevitably be a competition for climate neutral or zero-fossil fuels, emphasize should be placed on the most energy-efficient technologies as well, also because these fuels will have a higher cost than current conventional fuels”, concluded Christophe Tytgat, Secretary General of SEA Europe.

Background Note:
SEA Europe represents close to 100% of the European shipbuilding industry in 16 nations, encompassing the production, maintenance, repair and conversion of all types of ships and floating structures, commercial as well as naval, including the full supply chain with the various producers of maritime systems, equipment material, and services.