European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal Receives Positive Feedback from Maritime Industry Associations

The recently unveiled Clean Industrial Deal by the European Union has garnered praise from associations representing the maritime industry. This transformative business plan aims to make decarbonization a catalyst for growth in European industries by supporting renewable energy sources.

The plan addresses three key challenges – the climate crisis and its repercussions, concerns about competitiveness, and the need for economic resilience. It outlines concrete actions to tackle these challenges effectively.

Support from European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA)

The European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA) welcomed the recognition of shipping as a priority sector under the Clean Industrial Deal. ECSA Secretary General, Sotiris Raptis, emphasized the importance of urgent action to invest in clean technologies and fuels to enhance the competitiveness and security of the industry.

ECSA stressed the need for targeted investments in sustainable maritime fuels through the upcoming Sustainable Transport Investment Plan to meet decarbonization goals while maintaining competitiveness.

Call for Stronger Efforts

Danish Shipping, representing shipping and offshore companies, echoed the sentiment, urging the EU to accelerate the production of green fuels, especially for shipping. CEO Anne H. Steffensen emphasized the necessity of scaling up green fuel production to achieve climate-neutral shipping.

Among the significant measures advocated for shipping are improved funding opportunities, new contractual frameworks, and increased demand for hydrogen to produce low-emission fuels.

Support from European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO)

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) sees the Clean Industrial Deal as a crucial step towards decarbonization and enhancing Europe’s competitiveness. ESPO supports efforts to streamline permitting procedures, promote low carbon hydrogen, focus on industrial clusters, and lower energy prices.

ESPO Secretary General, Isabelle Ryckbost, emphasized the importance of concrete implementation to effectively combine decarbonization and competitiveness. She highlighted the need for streamlined permitting processes and cautioned against new legislation that could complicate the progress made.

The maritime industry associations are optimistic about the potential of the Clean Industrial Deal to drive sustainable growth and decarbonization in Europe, but stress the need for stronger efforts to scale up the production of green fuels to achieve climate goals.