The Net-Zero Industry Act was put forth to increase the production of clean technologies within the EU and ensure that the Union is prepared for the switch to clean energy.
The proposed Net-Zero Industry Act from the EU is welcomed by the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), but it must properly acknowledge the strategic importance of shipping to the security of Europe.
The Net-Zero Industry Act was put forth by the European Commission on March 16 in order to increase the production of clean technologies within the EU and ensure that the Union is prepared for the switch to clean energy. The shipping sector, which ensures the security of the supply of goods, food, and energy, is regarded by ECSA as a pillar of European security. Europe has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to increase the sector’s competitiveness.
European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) emphasised the importance of scaling up affordable low- and zero-carbon fuels and technologies for the shipping industry because it is one of the hardest industries to decarbonize.
For this reason, the definition of “strategic net-zero technologies” in the Act should include renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs), allowing for the rapid development of dedicated production capacity. Additionally, they enthusiastically embraced the listing of carbon capture and storage and the offshore renewable technologies as strategic net-zero technologies.
It is important to properly acknowledge the strategic role that shipping plays in ensuring the supply of goods, food, and energy in Europe. In this context, we appreciate the support for offshore technologies’ quicker adoption, which already depends heavily on shipping.
But according to Sotiris Raptis, secretary general of European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), “the industry still lacks a clear plan for the development of a European supply chain for the clean marine fuels and technologies.”
To ensure the peaceful use of the seas and defend the maritime domain against new threats, the European Commission and the High Representative adopted a joint communication on an enhanced EU Maritime Security Strategy on March 10.