A general approach to alternative fuels

Initially, the proposal set targets whereby core ports would need to provide LNG fuelling points by 2020 (for marine ports) and by 2025 (for inland ports).

SEA (Ships and Maritime Equipment Association) Europe says it is disappointed with the Council’s latest decision which now means that Member States would have to adopt a minimum maritime LNG infrastructure by 2030.

SEA Europe also says it hopes that LNG continues to develop independently of regulatory action and is calling on the European Parliament to ensure that “a core network of LNG refuelling points for maritime should be available by the end of 2020”.

The association represents the European shipbuilding and marine equipment industry and says it saw the stricter EU targets as a real opportunity to demonstrate already existing LNG products and encourage further investment and research to reduce the environmental footprint of shipping.