Maritime transport energy transition: Renew Europe applauds continued dedication of frontrunner ports

Renew Europe representative, Caroline Nagtegaal and Elsi Katainen took part in an ad hoc delegation of the Parliamentary Committee of Transport and Tourism (TRAN) to the port of Rotterdam. Of course, the discussions about the decarbonisation of the maritime and inland waterway transport sectors and the future possible implications of the related Fit for 55 Package were among the most discussed topics. Interested in the challenges the sector will most likely meet, both Members underlined the ambitious but also realistic position they are defending related to the emission reduction targets and the objective of safeguarding the competitiveness of the sector. A smart and market driven roll out of alternative fuels infrastructure and shore side electricity is key in that regard, accompanied with the needed support.

Caroline NAGTEGAAL (VVD, Netherlands), Vice-Coordinator of Renew Europe in TRAN and Shadow Rapporteur for the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation, said:

“This visit made clear that despite the pandemic and the Russian war in Ukraine, ports and terminals keep on operating 24/7. At the same time, the port is dedicated to become the sustainable energy hub of tomorrow. This is remarkable in my opinion and shows that frontrunners should be supported in their role as leaders setting the path towards a zero emission maritime sector”.

Elsi KATAINEN, (Suomen Keskusta, Finland), Renew Europe Shadow-rapporteur on FuelEU Maritime Regulation, added :

“I am impressed of all the steps the port has already taken towards green transition. Today’s visit to the port of Rotterdam has been very informative and insightful. Ports alongside shipping companies play a key role in the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. As the experts today highlighted, it is important to reduce emissions cost effectively and ensure technological neutrality when it comes to alternative fuels, so different shipping sectors can choose the most suitable pathway for them. Synthetic as well as biofuels have a role to play in achieving this”.