Maritime experts push EU to facilitate investments in green fuels

EU regulations must prioritise investments in low- and zero-emission bunker fuels, according to Transport & Environment (T&E) and Danish Shipping.

PHOTO: European Union freighter ship with cargo containers. Getty Images

“It is necessary for political authorities to consider the investment needs and gaps in the shipping sector. Fit for 55 stimulates both supply and demand, but it is crucial to get the price of green fuels down,” Torben Carlsen, chairman of Danish Shipping said.

Carlsen asserted that “massive investments both at sea and on land” were pertinent to the shipping sector's green transition. "We need everyone to pull in the same direction and we need to invest in a greener future," he said.

In a similar vein, William Toots, the executive director at Transport & Environment (T&E) stressed the need for clear guidelines regarding e-fuel adoption during the review of FuelEU Maritime and alternative fuels infrastructure regulation (AFIR) in 2026-27.

Toots argued that without a clear commitment from governments, the shipping industry will not be able to invest in the necessary infrastructure to switch to e-fuels and remain competitive.

“Our general position is clear: only efuels are an option, but we'll need to narrow that down to focus supply chain, infra, vessel and engine investments," he said. He further urged major oil and gas companies to increase their efforts to make clean fuel more affordable and accessible around the world.

By Konica Bhatt

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