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SEA Europe proposes alternative to extending EU Emission Trading Scheme to shipping

Suggests dedicated EU Maritime Fund to incentivise development of green technologies, sustainable alternative fuels, and more, for integration onboard ships.
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SEA Europe

SEA Europe, the Shipyards’ and Maritime Equipment Association on Wednesday (6 May) said it fully supports the ambitions of the European Commission’s “European Green Deal” (EUGD). 

The Green Deal’s ambitions are in line with those of the European “Waterborne” Technology Platform (https://www.waterborne.eu/), whose Strategic Research Agenda aims at providing and demonstrating zero-emission solutions for all main ship types and services before 2030, which will enable zero-emission waterborne transport before 2050, it said.

With the EUGD Communication, issued in December 2019, the European Commission says it aims at making the EU economy climate neutral by 2050, by transforming the EU into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy. 

With this flagship initiative, the European Commission wants to put the EU at the forefront in combating climate change and other environmental challenges. 

An important ambition of the EUGD is the transformation of waterborne transport (i.e. seagoing vessels and inland navigation ships) into a zero-emission mode of transport.

This transformation will necessitate significant investments from the entire waterborne sector in Europe, including in research, development and innovation (RDI), on top of the investments already carried out so far.

In this respect, SEA Europe proposes to set-up a dedicated EU Maritime Fund – as an alternative to extending the EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) to shipping – to incentivize the development of green technologies, to mature sustainable alternative fuels, and to integrate them onboard ships as well as to deploy green infrastructure and to financially stimulate first movers. 

Furthermore, these significant investments need to be underpinned by a legal framework that offers legal certainty to the waterborne sector, including the maritime technology sector, it notes.

Without any legal certainty, companies will refrain from making investments, it adds. This legal certainty is also key with regard to an EU taxonomy of green technologies and alternative fuels.

SEA Europe also says it calls upon the European Commission to support technological neutrality and a goal based approach, including for dual-use technologies, to avoid a curtailing of (innovative) clean technologies and to stimulate a rapid development of alternative fuels for waterborne transport. 

“Due to the large variety of ship types and ship trades, there is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution to transform waterborne transport into a zero-emission mode of transport,” said Christophe Tytgat said, SEA Europe’s Secretary General. 

“Hence, all options for clean technologies, alternative fuels and their optimal integration need to be researched, developed, supported, and facilitated. 

Any legislation and policy actions should stimulate flexibility, secure legal certainty and refrain from imposing or prescribing specific technological solutions or specific alternative fuels”.

SEA Europe states it is encouraged by the European Commission’s intention to use trade policy as a means to support the EU’s ecological transition and welcomes the EUGD’s recognition of the need to ensure fair and undistorted trade policy, to promote EU standards, and to enforce full compliance with EU regulations and standards of products placed on the European market. 

“The COVID-19 outbreak has further increased international political tensions and growing trade protectionism, in times of high political ambitions such as the European Green Deal,” adds Tytgat.

“The outbreak has also illustrated the dangers of Europe being or becoming too much dependent on foreign industries. This is certainly a serious risk in shipbuilding.

“The European Maritime Technology sector is heavily impacted by the Covid-19 crisis and the economic consequences of this crisis will be felt much longer than in many other sectors. 

“By restoring Europe’s competitiveness, including in maritime technology, the European Green Deal has the potential to become a game changer and should therefore not be seen exclusively as a ‘Climate Deal’ but also as a Strategy for Growth.”

Finally, SEA Europe urged the European Commission to develop appropriate measures and policy actions to achieve the EUGD’s ambitions in close dialogue and cooperation with the relevant stakeholders from the waterborne sector, including from the maritime technology sector. 

A copy of the position paper can be found here. 


Photo credit: SEA Europe
Published: 11 May, 2020

 

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Mass Flowmeter

Hong Kong backs MFM adoption with voluntary scheme to boost bunkering competitiveness

Hong Kong’s Marine Department launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems on their bunker vessels.
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June 4, 2026

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RESIZED EH dual mfm setup

Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) on Wednesday (3 June) launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

MD said the scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s bunkering service quality and the competitiveness of Hong Kong ports, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre and a major bunkering port.

Under the Scheme, bunker operators of traditional maritime fuel and biodiesel that install and use MFM systems on their bunker vessels, with the MFM systems inspected and certified by an accredited body in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 22192 Standard or equivalent requirements, can apply to the MD for inclusion in the scheme’s “List of Quality Bunker Vessels”, provided they meet the relevant technical and operational requirements. 

Details of the bunker vessels successfully included in the List will be published on a dedicated page on the MD’s website for reference by shipping companies and relevant stakeholders.

Participation in the Scheme is voluntary. In addition to receiving recognition from the MD, participating bunker operators will benefit from enhanced corporate image and competitiveness through the adoption of MFM systems, thereby boosting customers’ confidence and helping to create new business opportunities.

 A spokesman for the MD, said: “As an international maritime centre supported by our country, Hong Kong has a strategic location adjacent to major international fairways. Coupled with years of development in marine fuel bunkering, Hong Kong possesses rich experience and talent in the field. For many years, Hong Kong has consistently ranked as the seventh-largest bunkering port globally, the second-largest in our country, and the largest in the Greater Bay Area, providing reliable and competitive fuel bunkering services to ocean-going vessels from around the world. 

“As the international shipping industry has an increasing demand for accuracy and transparency in bunkering services, service quality and measurement precision in bunkering operations have become important indicators of a bunkering port’s competitiveness. The Scheme will enhance bunkering accuracy and transparency, further enhancing the quality of Hong Kong’s bunkering services.

The spokesman added that comprehensive port services are one of Hong Kong’s key advantages as an international maritime centre.

“We will also mandate the use of MFM systems on all methanol bunker vessels this year to ensure that Hong Kong continues to provide high-quality bunkering services in the era of green maritime fuels.” 

Note: The application form for the Scheme can be found on the MD’s website. Interested bunker operators can download the application form from the website or contact the MD’s Green Maritime Fuel Team via email ([email protected]) for details.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency.
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MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (3 June) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, innovation, and manpower development. 

The MoU was signed on 25 May 2026 by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC.

The MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and MSC to foster a sustainable, digital, and future-ready maritime sector, while enhancing MSC’s operational and business activities in Singapore. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of MSC establishing its Asia Regional Office and local office in Singapore.

Under the MoU, MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency and operational performance.

MPA and MSC will also collaborate on maritime digitalisation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including streamlining vessel arrivals and port operations. 

On manpower development, MSC will support internship and scholarship opportunities through Singapore Maritime Foundation’s Maritime Outreach Network (MaritimeONE) platform, an industry-led tripartite partnership comprising industry, government and institutes of higher learning that aims to raise awareness of the maritime industry and attract quality talent into the maritime sector.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “This partnership reflects the strong collaboration between MPA and MSC in driving sustainability and digitalisation in the maritime sector. By working together on decarbonisation, operational efficiency and talent development, we aim to strengthen Maritime Singapore’s position as a trusted and future-ready global maritime hub.”

Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, said: “Singapore is a strategically important hub for MSC and a key gateway to the broader Asia region. As we mark 30 years in Singapore, this MOU reinforces our long-term commitment to strengthening our presence here. MSC and Singapore are closely aligned on the priorities shaping the future of global shipping, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to drive the continued growth and resilience of the maritime industry.”

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Emissions reporting

StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and UK ETS requirements.
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June 4, 2026

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StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Weather intelligence and decision support solutions provider StormGeo and Hamburg-based technology platform OceanScore on Wednesday (3 June) said they have deepened their ongoing cooperation through the signing of a collaboration agreement during Posidonia 2026 in Athens on 2 June.

The cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements.

Together, the companies aim to help shipping companies seamlessly navigate increasing regulatory complexity more efficiently — from emissions reporting and data validation to compliance exposure management, pooling and financial settlement.

As emissions regulation becomes an increasingly important part of commercial shipping operations, the need for reliable operational data and streamlined compliance processes continues to grow. The cooperation between StormGeo and OceanScore is designed to support shipping companies with more connected, transparent and actionable processes across operational and commercial teams.

“From the outside, companies like StormGeo and OceanScore may sometimes be perceived as competitors because both operate around emissions and compliance workflows,” said Albrecht Grell, Managing Director at OceanScore. 

“But in reality, the industry increasingly needs both perspectives working together: trusted operational emissions data on one side and commercial compliance execution on the other. Our cooperation reflects that shipping companies are no longer looking for isolated solutions — they need connected processes, automated across different systems and reliable decision-making throughout the full compliance chain.”

By connecting validated operational emissions data with commercial compliance management, the cooperation supports workflows across:

  • emissions reporting and validation 
  • compliance management across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements
  • exposure visibility and cost transparency
  • pooling, settlement and financial processes 

The cooperation also aims to improve commercial transparency and coordination across operational and commercial stakeholders.

“StormGeo plays a central role in helping shipping companies turn operational vessel and emissions data into trusted, decision-ready insights,” said Espen Martinsen, Chief Commercial Officer at StormGeo. 

“As emissions regulations become more complex, this data is essential for transparent and efficient compliance management. By working with OceanScore, we can help customers connect StormGeo’s validated operational data with commercial compliance processes, creating a more integrated and practical approach to emissions management.”

The signing ceremony took place at the StormGeo booth during Posidonia 2026 in Athens and was attended by representatives from both companies.

Both companies expect the cooperation to continue evolving alongside upcoming regulatory developments, including FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, the upcoming UK ETS and future emissions-related frameworks affecting global shipping.

 

Photo credit: StormGeo
Published: 4 June, 2026

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