Categories: a-port-information, Environment and Renewables, ESPO, EuropePublished On: 02.12.2021225 words1.1 min read

ESPO Position on the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and on the proposal for a FuelEU Maritime Regulation

29 November 2021

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) welcomes the proposal for a Regulation on the deployment of Alternative Fuel Infrastructure (‘AFIR’) and the proposal on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport and amending Directive 2009/16/EC (FuelEU Maritime).

The greening of the shipping sector is a priority. The development and deployment of new fuels and energy solutions for the maritime sector is the most important pillar of this greening process. The energy transition in the shipping sector will require investments on the ship side but will also imply significant investments in infrastructure on the landside, in particular in ports.

ESPO truly believes that a goal-based approach which respects the polluter pays-principle would deliver best in terms of effectively reducing emissions, whilst maintaining a level playing field and avoiding the creation of stranded assets.

A coordinated approach to match the supply of infrastructure with the demand for clean fuels and technologies is needed. Europe’s ports welcome that the review of the current AFIR proposal is accompanied by provisions in the new FuelEU Maritime, which requires vessels to use shore-side electricity infrastructure at berth.

Please find below the full ESPO position on the two legislative proposals.

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