The European Commission unveiled the Clean Industrial touching on several relevant areas to the shipping and maritime sector, particularly on the topics of decarbonisation and the need for sustainable energy solutions.
As announced, the Deal presents measures to boost every stage of production, with a focus on energy-intensive industries such as steel, metals, and chemicals, that urgently need support to decarbonise, switch to clean energy, and tackle high costs, unfair global competition, and complex regulations. In addition it focuses on the clean-tech sector which is at the heart of future competitiveness and necessary for industrial transformation, circularity, and decarbonisation.
Another element of the Deal is circularity which aims to reduce waste and extend the life of materials by promoting recycling, reuse, and sustainable production. Furthermore, alongside the Deal, EU presented the Affordable Energy Action Plan aiming to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, speed up the roll-out of clean energy, and advance toward electrification and a fully integrated single market for energy.
According to the European Commission, hydrogen has a central role to play in decarbonising the EU energy system, in particular in the hard to abate sectors where electrification is not yet a viable option. A clear regulatory framework is essential. The Commission will therefore adopt in Q1 2025 the delegated act on low carbon hydrogen to clarify the rules for producing low carbon hydrogen.
Main elements of the Clean Industrial Deal:
- Affordable energy
- speed up the roll-out of clean energy, accelerating electrification
- complete the internal energy market with physical interconnections
- use energy more efficiently and cut dependence on imported fossil fuels.
- Boosting demand for clean products
- Financing the clean transition
- adopt a new Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework to accelerate the approval of state aid to roll out renewable energy, decarbonise industry and ensure sufficient manufacturing capacity of clean tech
strengthen the Innovation Fund and propose an Industrial Decarbonisation Bank, aiming for €100 billion in funding, based on available funds in the Innovation Fund, additional revenues resulting from parts of the ETS as well as the revision of InvestEU - launch a dedicated call under Horizon Europe to stimulate research and innovation in these areas
- amend the InvestEU Regulation to increase the amount of financial guarantees that InvestEU can provide to support investments. This will in turn mobilise up to €50 billion for the deployment of clean tech, clean mobility and waste reduction.
- Circularity and access to materials
- Acting on a global scale
- Skills and quality jobs
The reveal of the Clean Industrial Deal prompted swift response from several entities from the energy, transport and maritime sector. The European Shipowners (ECSA) in a statement welcomed the recognition of shipping under the five sectors across which the Clean Industrial Deal should be implemented.
As stated, ensuring targeted investment in the production, distribution, and uptake of sustainable maritime fuels under the upcoming Sustainable Transport Investment Plan is crucial to meeting the sector’s decarbonisation targets while safeguarding the competitiveness of European shipping.
We strongly welcome the recognition of shipping as one of the priority sectors of the Clean Industrial Deal. Shipping is a cornerstone of Europe’s energy and supply chain security and in the frontline of the energy transition.
…said Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General, ECSA.
In addition, the World Shipping Council (WSC) commented that it sees the Clean Industrial Deal as an opportunity for Europe to bridge the fuel price gap and build key infrastructure needed to drive transition.
Key aspects of the deal, including accelerating renewable energy deployment, promoting renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, and increasing EU-level funding for the clean transition, are critical to producing the green marine fuels needed to decarbonise shipping.
However, WSC cautions that current investments have been too low in key elements needed for green marine fuels, such as green hydrogen and highlighted the need that future funding must significantly surpass past efforts to meet the industry’s needs.
If the Clean Industrial Deal is fully realised, it represents an opportunity for Europe to strengthen its position as a global shipping hub. As one of the world’s largest exporters, the EU’s economic power and global influence depend on shipping. However, without the necessary investment and commitment, the EU risks being left behind.
…said Joe Kramek, President & CEO, WSC.
Transport & Environment (T&E) also welcomed the new EU plans to lower energy costs by doubling down on deployment of renewable electricity, and to activate more investment and trade instruments to scale clean-tech. However, the group pointed out that a decision to delay proposing an EU 2040 climate target sends a very worrying signal.
Faig Abbasov, Shipping Director, T&E commented that the Clean Industrial Deal is a step in the right direction, recognising the essential role that green hydrogen-derived fuels play in decarbonising shipping and aviation. However, Abbasov underscored that the Plan lacks essential details on how the EU is going to bridge the price gap between fossil fuels and greener alternatives or address the need for larger and longer term offtake commitments.
The Port of Rotterdam and Port of Antwerp-Bruges welcomed the Clean Industrial Deal, after urging the Commission in January to make large-scale investments in the competitiveness of industry in Europe.
Furthermore, following the publication of the Deal, Boudewijn Siemons, CEO Port of Rotterdam Authority, stated that “as port authorities, we are making substantial investments in large-scale transition projects, and are currently working with partners to build new infrastructure at our ports. ogether, we must now make it possible for companies to also invest in the new economy. An effective and consistent industrial policy from the EU and national governments is an important prerequisite in this regard.”
We welcome the Clean Industrial Deal presented by Ursula Von der Leyen in Antwerp. This marks an important step in strengthening European industry. Now is the time for concrete action, with targeted measures and clarity so that companies can invest in a sustainable and competitive future.
…said Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO, Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
The plan has been also well received by Danish Shipping, though it also comes with a warning. According to the company, the Commission is focusing on exactly the right areas: competitiveness and green transition. “These are fields where Europe has huge untapped potential, but where we also risk being left behind by the US and China if we do not act now” said Anne H. Steffensen, CEO, Danish Shipping.
