EU reached a preliminary agreement to reduce GHG emissions

On March 23rd, 2023, EU countries reached a preliminary agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector by increasing the use of renewable fuels on ships, Reuters reports.

The deal aims to put maritime transport on the path towards meeting the EU's climate goals in 2030 and 2050, by increasing reduction targets for emissions from energy used on ships and introducing measures to encourage the use of so-called renewable fuels of non-biological origin.

The agreement between representatives of EU member states and the EU parliament will now have to be formally adopted by EU ministers.

"The agreement will make sure that fuel suppliers, ships, and maritime operators will have sufficient time to adapt for the new conditions so the maritime sector will deliver on the climate targets," Swedish Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson said in a statement.

WSC: FuelEU Maritime is an important EU Green Deal policy for shipping

Jim Corbett, Environmental Director Europe for World Shipping Council, commented on the conclusion of the FuelEU trilogue, WSC's website informs.

“Today’s trilogue agreement on FuelEU Maritime is an important EU Green Deal policy for shipping. I am pleased to see that the regulation will evaluate fuels on their GHG performance across their full lifecycle. WSC worked with the parties for an effective, technology neutral regulation that will help drive the supply of alternative fuels and ensure real reductions in GHG emissions. We welcome the agreement announced today and will continue to work for effective FuelEU implementation that ensures that demand for renewable marine fuels in the EU region is matched by supply.”

“Liner shipping is already making bigger investments in future-ready ships than any other shipping sector, driving demand for renewable low-GHG fuels. FuelEU Maritime helps bring that demand to scale in Europe. Today’s agreement provides shipping companies the needed clarity to move beyond first mover innovation and leadership, and to make further investments to support the transition to zero GHG fuels.”

“Climate change is a global issue; shipping is a global industry that needs to be part of the solution. We need substantial regulation on an international level to advance at the pace our planet requires. Global fleet decarbonization requires two steps beyond today’s agreement. First, GHG reduction targets at IMO need to be updated. Second, supply of renewably produced low-GHG fuels must be scaled for global shipping. The EU has an important role to play at the IMO in working for progress, and we look forward to continuing our engagement with all IMO member nations for strong global GHG regulations.”

Download the full WSC statement here.

Read more about the WSC position of FuelEU here.