The European Union’s Clean Industrial Deal has set sail, aiming to transform the maritime industry into a beacon of sustainability and competitiveness. But while industry leaders applaud the initiative, they’re calling for more robust action to scale up green fuel production and ensure Europe doesn’t fall behind in the global race for decarbonization.
A New Horizon for Maritime Decarbonization
On February 26, 2025, the European Commission unveiled the Clean Industrial Deal, a bold blueprint designed to tackle three pressing challenges: the climate crisis, economic competitiveness, and resilience. By marrying climate action with industrial growth, the plan seeks to position Europe as a leader in the green transition, with shipping playing a pivotal role.
The European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA) has welcomed the inclusion of shipping as one of the five priority sectors under the deal. “Shipping is a cornerstone of Europe’s energy and supply chain security,” said Sotiris Raptis, ECSA’s Secretary General. “This is the time for urgent action to invest in clean tech and fuels, ensuring our industry remains competitive while enhancing Europe’s security.”
But the journey is far from smooth. Industry leaders are urging EU member states to allocate €9 billion from shipping Emissions Trading System (ETS) revenues to support clean fuel production. They’re also calling for streamlined regulations and a level playing field to keep European shipping competitive on the global stage.
Green Fuels: The Missing Link in Europe’s Maritime Ambitions
While the Clean Industrial Deal has been praised for its focus on renewable energy and green technology, industry stakeholders argue that more concrete plans are needed to scale up green fuel production. Without it, the maritime sector’s decarbonization goals could remain out of reach.
Anne H. Steffensen, CEO of Danish Shipping, emphasized the urgency: “The Commission is focusing on the right areas—competitiveness and the green transition. But we need to see a massive scaling up of green fuel production. Without it, climate-neutral shipping will remain a distant dream.”
The deal does include promising measures, such as improved EU funding opportunities, new contractual frameworks for green fuel investments, and international partnerships to establish global green corridors. However, the industry is calling for faster action to bridge the price gap between conventional and clean fuels, which can be up to five times more expensive.
Ports: The Hubs of Europe’s Green Transition
Europe’s ports are poised to play a critical role in the Clean Industrial Deal’s success. As hubs for industrial activity and supply chains, they are uniquely positioned to drive the adoption of green technologies and fuels. The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) has welcomed the deal as a “first but important step” but stressed the need for concrete implementation.
“Ports are not just supply chain hubs; they are clusters of industrial activity,” said Isabelle Ryckbost, ESPO’s Secretary General. “We see a lot of understanding in the Clean Industrial Deal about the challenges of combining decarbonization and competitiveness. But much will depend on how these plans are put into practice.”
Ports are particularly supportive of the Commission’s efforts to ease permitting procedures, lower energy prices, and boost demand for decarbonized products. However, they caution that new sectoral legislation could complicate these processes, potentially delaying progress.
What’s Next for Europe’s Maritime Industry?
The Clean Industrial Deal marks a significant step forward, but the maritime industry is clear: the real work is just beginning. To achieve its ambitious goals, the EU must prioritize investment in green fuel production, streamline regulations, and ensure a level playing field for European shipping.
As the industry navigates this transformative journey, one thing is certain: the stakes are high, and the clock is ticking. The question is whether Europe can rise to the challenge and chart a course toward a sustainable, competitive future.
