2026 Newsletter week 38

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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P&O Ferries has appointed Christina Morup as Chief Operating Officer and Peter Leschly as Chief Commercial Officer, Freight.

Morup joined in September, bringing experience in shipping, leadership and business transformation. She will oversee operational performance and support the company’s transformation programme.

Leschly brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in RoPax freight and logistics, most recently at Scandlines. He will lead the development of P&O Ferries’ freight business across its UK and European network.

P&O Ferries handles more than 1.2 million freight units annually.