Interferry, the global trade association representing the ferry industry, has welcomed the European Commission's proposed amendment to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The association has stated that this proposal has significant potential to accelerate maritime carbon reduction, provided that the final text secures shore-side electricity infrastructure and reliable grid connections through commitments from member states and stronger financing mechanisms.
Support for Carbon Reduction Strategy
Interferry strongly supports the alignment of this proposal with the industry's strategy for carbon reduction through sustainable electrification of ports and vessels. However, the expansion of hybrid and electric ferry operations depends on EU passenger ports fulfilling their legal commitments to provide shore power (OPS). Member states must also ensure that local grids can provide sufficient electricity for charging hybrid and fully electric vessels without disrupting regional power supply.
Financing for Transition to Clean Energy
To support this transition, Interferry has urged lawmakers to earmark 100% of marine ETS revenues for maritime carbon reduction, including support for sustainable marine fuels produced in the EU, clean technologies, and shore-side charging infrastructure.
While Interferry welcomes the proposed Sustainable Marine Alternative Fuels (SMAP) mechanism, it is concerned that demand may exceed existing funding: it is estimated that €1 billion annually should be supported from the entire maritime sector, including ferry transport. Therefore, member states must complement SMAP funding with targeted national support.
Expecting a Clear Path for Financing
Ultimately, this amendment should provide a clear and predictable pathway for zero-emission operators to access SMAP funding. Although operators of fully electric vessels do not submit permits, they face significant upfront investment costs.
Johan Roos, Interferry's Director of Regulatory Affairs, stated: "Ferry operators have been at the forefront of electrification, but the lack of electricity at the shore and limited grid capacity restricts the battery capacity that can be deployed, and consequently, the distances they can cover. Larger batteries and longer distances are technically feasible, and several large ro-pax ferries are battery-ready. We are committed to our pledge, but ferry operators cannot solve grid connectivity issues and other land infrastructure problems alone. Ports and member states play a vital role, and the Commission's proposal to amend the maritime carbon trading system provides tools to help finance the necessary investments."
Interferry, the global ferry trade association, has consultative status with the International Maritime Organization and similar influence in the EU and many other maritime governing bodies. With over 280 member companies and representing more than 2,200 individuals in over 40 countries, its main objectives include representing the ferry industry on regulatory and policy issues including safety and sustainability, articulating positions on behalf of the global ferry sector that provides transport for over four billion passengers and 370 million vehicles annually, and facilitating communication and networking among its members.
