Interferry has welcomed the European Commission’s proposed revision of the EU Emissions Trading System, while calling for stronger support for ferry electrification.
The association wants 100% of maritime ETS revenues ring-fenced for maritime decarbonisation, including shore charging infrastructure, clean technologies and EU-produced sustainable marine fuels.
It says ports must provide adequate shore power, backed by reliable grid connections. Limited electricity capacity is restricting the battery capacity ferry operators can use and the distances they can cover.
Interferry also warns that the proposed Sustainable Maritime Alternative Propulsion (SMAP) mechanism’s estimated €1 billion annual funding could fall short of demand across shipping. It calls for targeted national support and a clear route for zero-emission operators to access funding upfront.
Fully electric ferries face substantial initial investment costs, despite having no emissions allowances to surrender. Interferry’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, Johan Roos, stressed that larger batteries and longer crossings are technically feasible, but operators cannot resolve landside infrastructure constraints alone.
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