The “Fit for 55” legislative package is a significant step in the European Union’s efforts to accelerate decarbonization. The cruise industry supports the long-term goals of the European Green Deal and is committed to decarbonizing cruises in Europe by 2050. Furthermore, by driving innovation through shipbuilding in Europe, we believe the cruise industry has a crucial role to play in enabling the objectives of the European Green Deal and the European Union’s Recovery Plans.
A balanced and proportionate regulatory framework for all sectors of the economy can pave the way for achieving the European Union's 2050 decarbonization target. In this respect, it is essential to address the complexities of such a substantial package by conducting a holistic impact assessment, as the various elements of Fit For 55 are interconnected. The cruise industry operates globally, with ships sailing between countries and continents, offering flexible itineraries, and often transiting European waters for limited periods. Particular attention must be paid to assessing the impacts of Fit For 55 on remote European coastal regions and islands that rely heavily on passenger transport.
A phased approach and a realistic implementation timeline will be essential to ensure the European maritime cluster has the opportunity to recover from the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis on this sector. CLIA Europe is committed to contributing to the policy discussion and making its experience and expertise available, partnering with all stakeholders in the European Union institutions and Member States to accelerate the development of alternative marine fuels that will be necessary to achieve the EU and CLIA decarbonization target.
Ukko Metsola, Director General of CLIA Europe: “The cruise industry supports the long-term goals of the European Green Deal, and we are committed to decarbonizing cruises in Europe by 2050. However, carbon pricing alone will not solve the underlying core challenge, which is the lack of decarbonized marine fuels. Greater political and regulatory attention will be needed to accelerate the development of alternative fuels and make them available for refueling in European ports.”
The cruise industry in Europe is a success story, as European shipyards are globally competitive in cruise ship construction. This reality offers a significant opportunity to generate green growth and job creation within the European maritime sector.
Alfredo Serrano, director of CLIA Spain: “With the new package of legislative proposals under the “Fit for 55” initiative, the European Union is moving towards a shared climate ambition for 2050, and the cruise industry supports the decarbonization of the economy. Spain has a crucial role to play, and this will not be possible without the active participation of all companies, including the extensive value chain and the cruise ecosystem in our country.”
The cruise sector is a critical component of our economy, generating more than 50,000 jobs in Spain and supporting the goals of the Green Deal. Despite the suspension of operations during the pandemic, our commitment to sustainability has been maintained through innovation, reducing emissions and increasing energy efficiency to meet our objectives and maintain jobs and our global leadership.”.
