A coalition led by the gas industry association Eurogas, alongside 44 other industry stakeholders, has issued a statement expressing concern over a proposed alteration to EU regulations. They argue that this change could severely limit the "liquefaction by equivalence" system, which is currently a primary method for delivering bioLNG and eLNG (liquefied biomethane and e-methane) to the maritime sector. This restriction, they contend, would jeopardize ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within shipping.
The current "liquefaction by equivalence" framework allows biomethane produced at inland facilities to be injected into the European gas grid. Through a certified accounting process, the renewable attributes of this gas can then be assigned to ships at various European ports, effectively enabling the use of renewable LNG as a marine fuel without direct physical transport of the biomethane to the port. The proposed rule change, however, threatens to disrupt this established and efficient pathway.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, this development could have significant implications for green shipping initiatives. If the proposed rule is implemented, the availability and cost of bioLNG and eLNG as a bunker fuel might be negatively impacted. This could lead to increased operational costs for carriers committed to decarbonization, potentially translating into higher freight rates or slower adoption of cleaner fuels. Forwarders may need to monitor carrier fuel surcharges and assess the viability of routes served by vessels relying on these alternative fuels, especially those operating within EU waters or calling at EU ports. The change could also complicate compliance with future EU emissions regulations if the supply of certified renewable fuels becomes constrained.
While the source does not explicitly state the next steps, the industry's public statement indicates an ongoing lobbying effort to influence the EU's decision-making process regarding this rule change. Stakeholders will likely continue to advocate for the preservation or modification of the "liquefaction by equivalence" mechanism to ensure a smooth transition towards sustainable maritime fuels.
