The EU recently published “Fit for 55” package recognizes that operationally proven and commercially available LNG and bioLNG provide a first step on the journey to shipping decarbonization, industry group SEA LNG said, welcoming the move.
In its “Fit for 55” package published on 14th July 2021, the European Commission marks the start of cutting GHG emissions from marine fuels now while maintaining focus on air quality improvements. Under the EU plan, maritime would be added to the Emissions Trading System gradually from 2023 and phased in over a three-year period.
The EU properly recognizes that decarbonization is a journey, one in which operationally proven and commercially available LNG and bioLNG provide a first step today and which e-LNG (“synthetic LNG”), produced from renewable electricity, will play a significant role in future,
…SEA LNG said.
The proposed package of legislation is broadly aligned with SEA-LNG’s position that goal-based and technology-neutral policies are needed to ensure innovation and a level playing field for all low and zero-carbon marine fuels.
It is consistent with our view that decarbonization of shipping will require a basket of different fuels and propulsion systems each evaluated on a full “well-to-wake” GHG lifecycle basis.
The move was faced with some criticism by several groups, such as the European Transport&Environment (T&E) which noted that the EU published proposals “to make the shipping sector pay for its pollution and fossil fuels”. However, it also recognized that the world’s first ‘green’ fuel mandate for the sector would actually boost the use of LNG.
While SEA-LNG supports the global regulation of marine fuels, we believe further dialogue on “Fit for 55” will develop appropriate solutions to some of the more complex issues,
…SEA LNG concluded.
