European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) welcomes EU’s proposed Net-Zero Industry Act and highlights that it needs to properly recognize the strategic role of shipping for Europe’s security.
On March 16th, the European Commission proposed the Net-Zero Industry Act to scale up manufacturing of clean technologies in the EU and make sure the Union is well-equipped for the clean-energy transition. According to ECSA, the shipping industry is a pillar of European security, providing energy, food, and goods supply security. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Europe to boost the sector’s competitiveness.
ECSA pointed out that as shipping is one of the most difficult to decarbonize sectors, the upscaling of affordable low- and zero-carbon fuels and technologies for the sector is key. For this reason, renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) should be included within the Act’s definition of ‘strategic net-zero technologies’, so that dedicated production capacity can be swiftly developed. In addition, they warmly welcomed the inclusion of offshore renewable technologies and carbon capture and storage in the list of strategic net-zero technologies.
The strategic role of shipping for Europe’s energy security, food security and security of supply of goods must be properly recognised. In this context, we welcome the support for the faster uptake of offshore technologies, for which shipping already plays a critical role. But the industry is still missing a clear plan for the development of a European supply chain for clean marine fuels and technologies
…said ECSA’s Secretary General Sotiris Raptis.
To remind: On March 10th, the European Commission and the High Representative adopted a Joint Communication on an enhanced EU Maritime Security Strategy to ensure a peaceful use of the seas and safeguard the maritime domain against new threats.
