Sixteen organizations, including companies, investors, and non-governmental groups, have formally appealed to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) involved in the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) revision. Their primary request is to ensure that e-fuels receive specific, ring-fenced support under the proposed Sustainable Maritime Alternative Propulsion (SMAP) mechanism.
The SMAP mechanism is a new financial instrument designed to facilitate maritime decarbonization. It is part of the broader EU ETS revision and is projected to allocate up to 110 million EU Allowances (EUAs), with an estimated value of around €15 billion. Under this scheme, shipping companies could claim EUAs based on their previous year's use of eligible fuels and technologies, which they could then sell or utilize to offset their EU ETS obligations.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, this development signals a growing push towards alternative fuels in shipping. If e-fuels receive dedicated support, it could accelerate their adoption, potentially influencing future bunker prices and vessel availability for greener shipping options. Forwarders may need to consider the availability and cost of e-fuel-powered services when advising shippers on sustainable supply chain solutions and managing carbon footprint reporting.
