Fit for 55 on all fronts? Can Europe lead innovation in green maritime?

Maritime transport is an essential component of Europe’s transport system and plays a critical role for the European economy. Every year, around 400 million passengers embark or disembark in EU ports, including around 14 million on cruise ships. Efficient maritime transport connections are essential to the mobility of EU citizens, in developing EU regions, and to the EU economy as a whole.Maritime transport is responsible for about 2.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving significant reductions in emissions of maritime transport requires using both less energy (increasing energy efficiency) and new, alternative types of energy (renewable and low-carbon fuels). The FuelEU Maritime legislative proposal aims to increase the uptake of sustainable alternative fuels in this sector. The Commission has also proposed to extend the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) to the maritime sector.Europe is uniquely placed to lead the shift of the entire maritime industry to greater sustainability, and the complete maritime value chain should be involved. It has the expertise and the capacity to innovate. In addition, the cruise industry is at the forefront in developing environmental practices and driving new technologies. In this context, EU action can inspire and pave the way to develop future measures accelerating the uptake of alternative fuels at a global level.