Environment

ESPO: EU Mobility Strategy lacks comprehensive approach to strengthen role of ports

Commission aims to make EU’s transport system resilient, but the plan lacks a holistic vision on strengthening the role of ports as engines of growth and recovery.

Published

6 years ago

December 18, 2020

Admin

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) on Wednesday (16 September) said it welcomes the ambition of the European Commission’s Mobility Strategy to deliver the Green Deal transport targets but it lacks a comprehensive approach on how to strategise European ports as engines of growth and recovery.

The European Commission released its new EU Mobility Strategy entitled “Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy – putting European Transport on track for the future” in early December and the Green Deal targets to reduce GHG emissions by 90% while also working towards zero pollution in the sector.

ESPO said it fully supports the intention to make all transport modes sustainable and to shift towards more sustainable solutions.

Europe’s ports can be a strategic partner in making the European Green Deal happen and ESPO considers the “zero-emission port” flagship as an encouragement of the current efforts Europe’s ports are already making to facilitate emission reduction and to contribute to the energy transition of Europe’s economy.

ESPO welcomes in that respect the recognition of ports as clean energy hubs and hopes this recognition will be followed by a more specific strategy to assist seaports in this role.

Such a strategy should include support for the necessary infrastructure and facilities in seaports for the supply and transport of new energies, in particular hydrogen, recognition for the role of pipelines and more in general stronger synergies between transport and energy policies.

Europe’s ports are pleased to see that short sea shipping is being recognised as a sustainable modal shift option for transport within Europe.

ESPO stated it also welcomes the milestones to increase the sustainable modes of transport (short sea shipping and inland waterways transport by 25% in 2030 (by 50% in 2050) and rail freight by 50% in 2030 (100% in 2050)).

While the rail and inland waterway milestones are accompanied by stimulating policies, no supporting measures for encouraging short sea shipping and ports are being put forward in the Strategy. To increase the share of short sea shipping, simplifying the Motorways of the Sea criteria, creating a level playing field between the maritime and land links and recognising seaports as cross border infrastructure is a must.

ESPO also welcomes the Commission’s proposal to support carbon neutral choices for scheduled collective travel below 500 km in the EU.

ESPO regrets however that the strategy does not consider the current role and further potential of ferry connections as a sustainable alternative to short haul flights and a sustainable option in building back better the seriously hit tourism sector. Any planned TEN-T investments for upgrading the necessary infrastructure should also look at the potential of maritime passenger transport.

While ESPO applauds the Commission’s plea for a completion of TEN-T, it regrets the exclusive focus on the land-based network, ignoring the maritime dimension and the role of Europe’s seaports in terms of stepping up connectivity both internally and externally.

ESPO hopes that the forthcoming TEN-T review will follow a more comprehensive approach, considering the central role of ports in achieving a multimodal Transport Infrastructure Network.

Whereas the Commission aims at making Europe’s transport system resilient, viewing a coordinated European approach to connectivity and transport activity as essential to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy and resilience, ESPO notes the Strategy lacks a holistic vision on how to strengthen the role of ports as engines of growth and recovery.

“Over the last year, the European Commission has been outlining important ambitions for Europe. Both the Green Deal, the Next Generation EU and the Open Strategic Autonomy approach for trade are crucial strategies for enhancing Europe’s growth, future and resilience in the world,” said Isabelle Ryckbost, ESPO’s Secretary General.

“Maritime ports are at the crossroads of these strategies and are a critical factor for delivering those. We’ve seen a recognition of the comprehensive role of ports in the mobility strategy.

“We now look forward to further discussing with the Commission what is really needed to assist and enable ports in Europe to play their role as engines of growth and recovery as best as they can”.

ESPO is open to further discussion and which role Europe’s ports are playing and can play in delivering Europe’s Green Deal and Recovery Strategies, and how to reinforce this role. ESPO and its members fully subscribe to the Strategy’s aim to strive for a sustainable European transport system that is smart, flexible and adaptable to ever-changing transport patterns and needs.

Photo credit: ESPO
Published: 18 December, 2020

Alternative Fuels

South Korea’s Polaris Shipping orders tri-fuel bulk carriers for Vale charter deal

Bulk carriers, which will be delivered sequentially from 2031, will be equipped with WinGD-developed engines capable of using methanol, ethanol and heavy fuel oil as marine fuels.

Published

4 days ago

August 13, 2026

Admin

South Korea’s Polaris Shipping orders tri-fuel bulk carriers for Vale charter deal

South Korean shipowner Polaris Shipping recently said it has signed a newbuilding contract for four tri-fuel vessels with Chinese shipbuilder Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry on 4 August.

The 210,000-dwt Newcastlemax bulk carriers, which will be delivered sequentially from 2031, will be equipped with WinGD-developed engines capable of using methanol, ethanol and heavy fuel oil as marine fuels.

The vessels are also designed as LNG- and ammonia-ready ships, allowing them to be converted to LNG or ammonia propulsion in the future.

Polaris Shipping also plans to significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by applying various energy-saving technologies, including wind-assist propulsion systems, rotor sails, departure optimisation and land-based systems, to the vessels.

Polaris Shipping has completed a 25-year long-term charter contract for the bulk carriers with Brazilian iron ore producer Vale.

Polaris Shipping plans to sign construction contracts for up to four additional 210,000-dwt eco-friendly Newcastlemax bulk carriers with Chinese shipbuilder Hengli Heavy Industries in the near future. The Newcastlemax bulk carriers ordered from Hengli will be built as high-efficiency, environmentally friendly vessels to replace the company’s existing older bulk carriers.

Photo credit: Polaris Shipping
Published: 13 August, 2026

Biofuel

MESD study finds existing Singapore harbour craft ready for B100 bio bunker fuel adoption

Results demonstrate the qualified readiness of existing large harbour craft in Singapore for B100 adoption, provided that appropriate fuel-handling, storage and additive practices are implemented.

Published

1 week ago

August 7, 2026

Admin

MESD study finds existing Singapore harbour craft ready for B100 bio bunker fuel adoption

Singapore’s Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD) on Wednesday (5 August) said the findings of its latest study indicate that existing large harbour craft in Singapore are ready for the adoption of B100 biodiesel, provided appropriate fuel handling, storage and additive practices are in place.

The findings were published in MESD’s public report, Study on the Readiness of Existing Large Harbour Craft for B100 Biodiesel in Singapore.

“Overall, the results demonstrate the qualified readiness of existing large harbour craft in Singapore for B100 adoption, provided that appropriate fuel-handling, storage and additive practices are implemented,” MESD said in a social media post.

“This represents an important step towards supporting the wider adoption of sustainable marine fuels and advancing Singapore’s maritime decarbonisation journey.”

The study evaluated fuel storage stability, engine performance, emissions and operational readiness through controlled laboratory testing and sea trials involving a tugboat and a bunker tanker.

MESD said the findings are highly encouraging, which include:

Stable engine performance was maintained throughout the 200-hour sea trials, with no significant power loss, abnormal fuel-consumption trends or critical operational disruptions.
Antioxidant additives improved oxidation stability and helped reduce the risk of fuel degradation during storage.
B100 achieved brake thermal efficiency comparable to diesel, while producing lower carbon monoxide and particulate matter emissions, with a modest increase in nitrogen oxide emissions.

Led by the MESD, the study was conducted in collaboration with KST Maritime Pte Ltd, V-Bunkers Tankers, Alpha biofuels, Aderco, Maritec Naias and IHI Power Systems Co Ltd.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) also contributed to the study.

MESD added that further research on long-term engine endurance, fuel stability and material compatibility is ongoing under its FAME 1000 project, with a related public report expected to be released later this year.

Note: The report can be accessed here.

Photo credit: Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence
Published: 7 August, 2026

Biofuel

SDHI wins order from Svitzer to build four biofuel-ready tugs

Indian shipbuilder says it has secured a contract from Svitzer to construct four advanced TRAnsverse 3200 tugs, which are up to 15% more fuel efficient than conventional tug designs.

Published

1 week ago

August 7, 2026

Admin

SDHI wins order from Svitzer to build four biofuel-ready tugs

Indian shipbuilder Swan Defence and Heavy Industries (SDHI) on Thursday (6 August) said it has secured a contract from Denmark-based towage operator Svitzer to construct four advanced TRAnsverse 3200 tugs.

The Transverse 3200 tugs will be biofuel, IMO Tier III emissions standards, and FiFi1 firefighting class ready, reflecting the vessels’ capability for reduced environmental impact and enhanced fire-response readiness in port and terminal operations.

The vessels will be built at SDHI’s yard in Pipavav, Gujarat, adjacent to the port where Svitzer also has a harbour towage operation. Deliveries for the order are scheduled to commence in early 2028.

The contract follows an extensive competitive evaluation of leading global shipyards. The high specification vessels will be constructed to the Bureau Veritas class.

Co-developed by naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. and Svitzer, the patented TRAnsverse 3200 design is engineered for complex harbour towage and escort operations.

Featuring a unique hydrodynamic hull design and omni-directional propulsion, the vessels are capable of safely guiding large ships through severe weather and restricted port channels. Delivering an 80-tonne bollard pull, the TRAnsverse design is up to 15% more fuel efficient than conventional tug designs, directly supporting global maritime decarbonization goals.

Rear Admiral Vipin Kumar Saxena IN (retd.), CEO, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), said: “It is indeed a notable achievement for SDHI to construct one of the world’s most sophisticated towage vessels. Svitzer’s rigorous evaluation process reaffirms the strength of our engineering capabilities in the niche, high-specification vessel segment.”

Mr. Kasper Friis Nilaus, CEO, Svitzer, said: “Svitzer’s TRAnsverse tug design offers significant benefits to customers in terms of releasing operational constraints and improving port productivity, sustainability and safety margins. We are pleased to partner with SDHI to deliver four of these next-generation vessels to the benefit of our customers and maritime supply chains globally.”

Photo credit: Swan Defence and Heavy Industries
Published: 7 August, 2026