29 Jul
The European Parliament and EU ministers have finalized a pivotal deal to cut maritime emissions, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. The new legislation requires a 2% reduction in ship emissions by 2025, reaching 80% by 2050. Unlike aviation rules, it doesn’t mandate specific fuels but focuses on lowering greenhouse gas intensity over time, including emissions from carbon, methane, and nitrous oxide.
Emission reduction targets will rise every five years: 6% by 2030, 14.5% by 2035, 31% by 2040, 62% by 2045, and 80% by 2050. Initially, the law applies to ships over 5,000 tonnes, which account for around 90% of CO2 emissions from shipping, with a review in 2028 to consider including smaller vessels. From 2030, ships at major EU ports must use on-shore power, enhancing air quality. Non-compliance penalties will support maritime decarbonization projects, with the European Commission ensuring competitiveness.
The legislation also boosts the market for sustainable maritime fuels, requiring 2% of shipping fuels to be e-fuels made with green electricity by 2034. Incentives allow synthetic fuels to count double towards targets until 2035. While some applaud the ambitious goals, others, like Greens MEP Jutta Paulus, argue the early targets are too modest and the exceptions too numerous.
Stay up-to-date with our latest news – > REGISTER HERE
