The EU wants to decarbonize maritime transport

The EU wants to decarbonize maritime transport shutterstock
Katerina Belousova

The agreement must be officially approved by the bloc's ministers

EU countries on Thursday, March 23, reached a preliminary agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime transport sector thanks to the use of renewable fuels.

The agreement aims to ensure that the vessels meet the EU's climate targets in 2030 and 2050, Reuters reports.

It is noted that the goals are planned to be achieved thanks to the increase in targets for reducing emissions from the energy used on ships.

In addition, it is planned to introduce measures to encourage the use of so-called renewable fuels of non-biological origin.

"The agreement ensures that fuel suppliers, ships and maritime operators will have enough time to adapt to the new conditions so that the maritime sector can meet its climate goals," said Sweden's Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlsson.

The article emphasized that the agreement between the representatives of the EU member states and the EU Parliament must now be officially approved by the bloc's ministers.

Earlier, EcoPolitic wrote, that the Council of the EU agreed to pay special attention to the decarbonization of the maritime sector within the framework of the Innovation Fund, and to include its emissions in the emissions trading system.

As EcoPolitic previously reported, in the US, the 7-state Midwest Hydrogen Coalition is committed to producing and using H2 for several decarbonization purposes, including Great Lakes cargo ships and ferries.

Related
Ten EU countries are calling for the industry to be allowed to emit CO₂ for a further decade
Ten EU countries are calling for the industry to be allowed to emit CO₂ for a further decade

At the same time, there are calls to review the ETS2, which is intended to require payment for emissions caused by heating and transport

Nuclear power plant shutdowns, deadly forest fires, the deaths of over 10,000 people: the heatwave is terrorising Europe
Nuclear power plant shutdowns, deadly forest fires, the deaths of over 10,000 people: the heatwave is terrorising Europe

In Spain, fires have claimed the lives of 13 people, whilst in France, flames have engulfed the kings’ historic hunting grounds

Heatwaves exacerbate air pollution. How does this affect health?
Heatwaves exacerbate air pollution. How does this affect health?

Prolonged exposure to a combination of air pollution and heat can lead to chronic illnesses and even premature death

What to expect from the EU ETS review: from bonus allowances to limits on emissions reductions
What to expect from the EU ETS review: from bonus allowances to limits on emissions reductions

As early as 2027, 400 million additional free emission allowances could be released onto the market