Thanks to the tireless work of the Socialists and Democrats, today the European Parliament has finally voted in favour of the so-called Fuel EU Maritime report, which aims to decarbonize the shipping industry by introducing green fuels and promoting new sustainable technologies. This is an important step to ensure that all ships entering European waters contribute to the 55% less CO2 emissions by 2030 and a climate-neutral European Union by 2050, as planned in the Green Deal.

S&D shadow rapporteur and member of the transport committee, Vera Tax, stated:

“Around 90% of imported goods enter the EU through our ports, while 99% of the fuels used in shipping is fossil. These two figures give a picture of the great need for the shipping sector to move towards sustainability and join the battle to reach our climate goals. Unfortunately, there are still very few rules on sustainability and ‘going green’ in the shipping sector.

“Sustainable biological and synthetic energy carriers are essential for reducing emissions in the shipping industry. Today, in the European Union, we are finally taking the first step to ensure a clear pathway to decarbonising the current marine fuel mix. 

“Transition will take time though. That's why we need to start as soon as possible and we need to give shipping companies clear and long-term benchmarks in order to give them time to invest in new sustainable fleets.”