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The sole responsibility for the content of this webpage lies with the authors. It does not represent the opinion of the European Communities. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained.

International, EU, and National

The EU strongly endorses the use of LNG as a marine fuel. LNG as a marine fuel provides an alternative to traditional fuels by emitting fewer pollutants, such as Sulfur Oxides (SOₓ) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ), and Particular Matter (PM).

This support forms part of the EU’s broader strategy in supporting the development of alternative fuels for shipping as stipulated by Directive 2014/94/EU. The 2014 Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive required EU countries to develop National Policy Frameworks (NPFs) for manufacturing publicly available refueling and recharging points for alternative fuel vehicles and vessels. The Directive’s aim is to ameliorate the coordination of alternative fuel infrastructure and development that will provide the long-term security needed to invest in technology for alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles.

On July 14th, 2021, the European Commission presented a series of proposals (“The Fit for 55” Plan) to make the EU's climate, energy, land use, transport, and taxation policies fit for reducing net greenhouse gas emission levels by at least 55% up until 2030, compared to the decade of 1990’. A revision of the 2014 Directive on alternative fuels infrastructure proposal was also included in the Plan. The European Commission further proposes to repeal the directive and replace it with a regulation, suggesting that an instrument change is needed to ensure “swift and coherent development” of the infrastructure network across the EU. What is more, Member States are also required to ensure that an “appropriate” number of refueling points for LNG have been put in place at TEN-T core maritime ports by January 1st, 2025.

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52021PC0559

 

In 2019, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) issued a guide for LNG bunkering with a view to harmonizing requirements throughout ports in Europe, with respect to safe and environmentally sound LNG bunkering operations.

The guide was prepared in close cooperation with the European Commission (DG MOVE).

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