The European Commission's new Sustainable Transport Investment Plan represents the EU’s strategic response to intensifying global competition in green maritime fuels, particularly from China. The initiative aims to mobilize €100 billion in investment to produce 20 million tonnes of sustainable fuels by 2035, meeting FuelEU Maritime and RefuelEU Aviation targets.
"By accelerating domestic production of biological and non-biological fuels, Europe can reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhance the competitiveness of its industries and lead the clean-energy transition globally," the Commission stated.
Initial EU commitments total €2.9 billion through 2027, including €2 billion under InvestEU for alternative fuels and €300 million via the European Hydrogen Bank for shipping fuels. The Innovation Fund allocates €446 million for synthetic aviation and maritime fuel projects, while €133.5 million supports research under Horizon Europe.
However, industry groups question whether this funding adequately addresses the scale of investment needed. Danish Shipping welcomed the plan's focus on production capacity limitations, while SEA Europe argued the €2.9 billion falls short of triggering necessary private-sector investment for effective maritime decarbonisation.
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