The European Commission, as part of its Fit for 55 package, proposed to introduce a GHG intensity target that increases in stringency over time, requiring ships calling at EU ports to reduce the carbon footprint of the energy used onboard. But the proposed regulation fails to give appropriate incentives to invest in zero-emission vessels and would likely result in the accelerated uptake of liquid natural gas (LNG).
Green e-fuels – notably e-hydrogen and e-ammonia – can be supplied in large quantities to the sector. However, as nascent technologies, they are more expensive and require investments in new vessels and port infrastructure. However, if equipped with the right tools, the FuelEU Maritime can kickstart the deployment of renewable-based e-fuels in shipping and help to decarbonise the sector by 2050.
T&E Contribution to the European Commission’s Public Consultation on VAT Rules for Travel and Tourism Sectors
Priority must be placed on tackling bottlenecks in cross-border rail infrastructure and supporting domestic clean fuel production.
European shipping emissions jumped 13% in 2024 despite a downtick in trade, while emissions from moving fossil fuels around remain stubbornly high