If the 'Fit for 55' package adopted by the EU in 2015 2021 sets a target of at least a 55% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2030 1990, a mapping of projects for the development of e-fuels for the shipping sector shows that by 2030 4% of the European sector maritime transport could use synthetic fuels, but Only a third of these projects could actually be as fuel producers are reluctant to invest in these projects without any greater guarantees than the future demand for e-fuel in Europe will suffice. This is highlighted by a new study by Transport & Environment (T&E), the promoting the decarbonisation of transport, warning that the majority of these projects may never be achieved in the current decade.

The study explains that there are currently at least 17 projects with the aim of providing hydrogen-based e-fuel ships, projects that, if implemented, could meet almost 4% of the energy demand by the of the shipping industry by 2030. In addition, T&E has identified a further 44 hydrogen-based projects in Europe that could provide e-fuels to shipping, even if those who promote them may be inclined to supply these fuels to other industries in which the demand is greater.

With the implementation of these projects, the document specifies the European Union's goal could easily be achieved 2% supply of green e-fuels by 2034. However- warns the T&E studio - most of these projects It has yet to receive funding and not a single dedicated project specifically to the maritime transport sector is underway. According to feedback received by T&E, fuel producers hesitate to carry out these projects as there is no certainty about actual demand or investment.

"Hydrogen projects," explained Inesa Ulichina, who at T&E deals with the sustainability of transport maritime - are popping up all over Europe and have the potential to to fuel hard-to-decarbonise sectors such as shipping and to create thousands of good jobs. But at the moment there is no All we need is certainty and we risk losing this opportunity of gold." "Shipping," added Ulichina, "is Compare it with the "chicken and egg" dilemma. The e-fuel producers, before making large investments, They are waiting for clearer signals about demand from maritime operators. On the other hand, operators seafarers are waiting for these fuels to increase and become cheaper before signing supply. The EU - noted the T&E representative - should ensure greater supply and demand for e-fuels through regulation that provides certainty on the investments in fuel producers and fuel companies navigation'.

In this regard, T&E recommends that EU Member States require that by 2030 at least 1.2% of fossil fuels shipping consists of e-fuels as recommended by the Directive "RED III", as - according to Transport & Environment - this would be sufficient to provide guarantees to all currently planned projects that have already funding and to enable other projects to take advantage of the a final investment decision.