Page 74 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2024

ON THE SEAFRONT

biofuels and e-fuels, in the list of net-zero technol- EUROPEAN SEAPORTS’ PRIORITIES
ogies adopted today under the Net-Zero Industry FOR 2024-2029
Act. In view of the upcoming EU elections, the Euro-
The new law introduces a benchmark for the Com- pean Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) has set its
mission and the EU Member States to match 40% priorities for the next five years.
of the deployment needs for clean fuels for ship- The world is in transition, and ports are in transi-
ping with production capacity. tion. More than ever, ports are strategic entities
This is a vital step to ensure that clean fuels for and enablers of Europe’s ambitions and its sus-
shipping are made available in the market at an tainable, digital, competitive, strong and social
affordable price as a prerequisite for shipping to future. Ports want to be part of the solution and
meet its target under the Fuel EU Maritime Reg- are taking on new responsibilities on top of their
ulation. Scaling up the production and uptake of traditional role as multimodal hubs in the supply
clean fuels for shipping is a top priority for Euro- chain.
pean shipping. Entitled “a net-zero, smart, resilient and com-
“European shipowners have consistently petitive Europe: Europe’s ports are part of the
requested a mandate for European fuel suppliers solution”, ESPO’s memorandum outlines nine
to scale up and make clean, affordable, and safe priorities:
fuels available in the market. Matching European 1. Focus on implementation: Europe’s ports ask
fuel industrial capacity with the EU targets under policymakers to provide clarity and support to
the FuelEU Maritime is essential. We welcome the ports to ensure the effective implementation of
40% benchmark for the production of clean fuels existing regulations.
such as advanced biofuels and e-fuels as a step- 2. Give ports the space to take up their role as
ping stone towards an international scale-up of facilitators of renewable energy. The energy tran-
alternative sustainable fuels for shipping. We will sition will require space in ports; permitting barri-
work closely with the Commission to ensure that ers should be removed.
the 40% benchmark is translated into immedi- 3. Reducing emissions and pollution is an impor-
ate action,” said Sotiris Raptis, ECSA’s Secretary tant KPI for ports: Ports in Europe want an agree-
General. ment on a well-defined global maritime GHG emis-

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