SIMIC

THE European Council has signed off on the FuelEU maritime initiative, a sweeping measure that introduces penalties for failing to use eco-fuels, reports Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive.

The legislation is seen as a direct response to the lack of action by the UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and others. The measure was designed to induce shipping to meet EU climate targets.



Financial penalties are built into the programme approved by the council composed of the heads of government of EU member states. Fees and tariffs raised will support decarbonisation and the adoption of renewable fuels.



The approval came two years after the introduction of the broader measure that calls for a net reduction of 55 per cent in the EU's greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.



According to the supporters of the legislative initiative, the main aim is to increase demand for and use of renewable and low-carbon fuels.



Supporters say the measure provides clarity to ship operators and will ensure smooth operations for shipping while providing for the fuel transition.



"The new law will provide legal certainty for ship operators and fuel producers and help kick-start the large-scale production of sustainable maritime fuels, thus substantially delivering on our climate targets at European and global level," said Spanish Transport Minister Raquel Sanchez Jimenez.



Part of the effort seeks to balance the use of alternative fuels in road transport. Separate parts of the measure deal with aviation fuels.