Proposal for a Regulation on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport

Summary:

Legislative initiative tabled by the European Commission on 14 July 2021, concerning the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport.

Further information:

In September 2020, the European Commission established the aim to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. For this to be achieved, all transport modes must contribute to a sharp reduction in transport emissions. International maritime transport requires using both less energy and cleaner types of energy.

The so-called FuelEU Maritime initiative proposes a common regulatory framework across the European Union (EU) aimed at increasing the share of renewable and low-carbon fuels in the fuel mix of international maritime transport without creating barriers to the single market. It sets a maximum limit on the GHG content of energy used by ships calling at European ports. It introduces amendments to Directive 2009/16/EC on port State control.

The draft law was unveiled by the European Commission on 14 July 2021, as part of the so-called Fit for 55 legislative package.

• Primary Source

Commentary and Analysis

Transport&Environment: Press Release, 14/07/2021: EU push to green shipping is positive but risks locking in fossil gas https://www.transportenvironment.org/press/eu-push-green-shipping-positive-risks-locking-fossil-gas

ETF Europe: News, 15/07/2021: Occupational health and safety: FuelEU Maritime lacks long-term vision https://www.etf-europe.org/occupational-health-and-safety-fueleu-maritime-lacks-long-term-vision/

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Official

EUR-LEX: SWD(2021)635: Staff Working Document accompanying the Proposal - Impact Assessment https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=SWD:2021:635:FIN

EUR-LEX: SWD(2021)636: Staff Working Document accompanying the Proposal - Executive Summary of the Impact Assessment https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=SWD:2021:636:FIN

European Commission: Press Release, 14/07/2021: European Green Deal: Commission proposes transformation of EU economy and society to meet climate ambitions https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_3541

European Commission: Questions and Answers - Sustainable transport, infrastructure and fuels (14 July 2021) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_21_3525

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