The transformation of waterborne transport into a zero-emission mode of transport will have a crucial place within the European ‘Green Deal’ pledged by the European Commission, a maritime stakeholder has stressed.
This year, the Waterborne Technology Platform (WTP) indicated in its new Strategic Research Agenda, a clear commitment to transform waterborne transport into a zero-emission mode of transport from 2030 onwards. It aims at building zero-emission inland navigation vessels and short sea ships by 2030 and make any ships operating in any trades zero-emission by 2050.
Establishing a co-programmed partnership, ‘Zero-emission waterborne transport’, in the framework of Horizon Europe is an integral part of the Commission’s European Green Deal and a necessary condition to implement the transformation of shipping from a polluting sector, as it currently is, to a fully green zero emissions sector by 2050, said WTP.
Partnership vital
Henk Prins, chairman of WTP, commented: “The Waterborne Technology Platform is fully committed to transform the waterborne transport sector into a zero-emission mode of transport. But to realise this ambition, it is key to underpin it by means of a co-programmed partnership in the framework of Horizon Europe.
“This partnership will be crucial to enable the waterborne sector to develop innovative solutions in terms of alternative fuels and energy carriers and thus to move to a zero-emission mode of transport soonest.”
More research, development and innovation is needed, said the WT, pointing out that “it is essential to acknowledge that to date there are still no viable zero-emission technologies available for all ships”.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
