Yesterday's final approval by Parliament Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), the European net-zero emissions proposed on 16 March 2023 by the Commission to strengthen the production of the technologies needed to decarbonisation has been welcomed of the European Shipowners' Association.

The legislative text approved with 361 votes in favour, 121 against and 45 abstentions provides that "in order to respond to the security of supply issues, contributing to the at the same time supporting the resilience of the energy system and decarbonisation and modernisation efforts, is It is necessary to increase the production capacity of net-zero emission technologies in the Union', and provides, inter alia, for the other, that, to this end, EU producers of fuels for the maritime sector and aviation need to "further developing, producing and deploying alternative fuels in order to make a significant contribution to the 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the sector by 2050". In addition, "the Union must ensure that the regulatory environment and support framework for producers of sustainable alternative fuel technologies for the maritime sector and aviation enable these producers to increase their production capacities along the entire value chain of fuels, from the collection and supply of raw materials up to mixing, including the conversion and refining". To create conditions for the production of net-zero emission technologies, The law sets as a benchmark "at least 40% of the Union's annual deployment needs relevant technologies needed to achieve the objectives climate and energy policy for 2030".

Particularly important - highlighted the European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA) - is the fact that 'the new law introduces a reference point for the Commission and EU Member States in order to meet the production capacity 40% of the diffusion needs of clean fuels for transport. It is - he stressed the shipowners' association - a fundamental step for ensure that clean shipping fuels are returned available on the market at an affordable price, as a prerequisite for maritime transport to achieve its provided for by the EU Maritime Fuel Regulation. Increase production and the adoption of clean fuels for maritime transport - ha observed the ECSA - is a top priority for the European maritime transport'. "We will work closely contact with the Commission - concluded the Secretary-General of the association, Sotiris Raptis - to ensure that the 40% translates into immediate action'.