Interferry Calls for EU ETS Funding to Cover Ferry Electrification Infrastructure

Interferry has called for the European Union’s proposed revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to ensure that funding for ferry electrification covers not only onboard technologies but also the port and grid infrastructure required to operate electric vessels.

The international association of ferry operators has focused its position on the European Commission’s proposed Sustainable Maritime Alternative Propulsion (SMAP) mechanism, which is intended to support sustainable maritime fuels and zero-emission propulsion technologies.

Interferry said the deployment of battery-electric ferries needs to be supported by investments in port charging systems, shore connections and the electrical networks supplying power to terminals.

SMAP Mechanism Could Support Zero-Emission Propulsion

The European Commission’s proposal includes electric propulsion among the technologies eligible for support under SMAP, alongside solutions such as wind-assisted propulsion.

The mechanism would reserve up to 110 million emission allowances from the beginning of its application through the end of 2040. The funding could be used to narrow the cost gap between conventional fuels and eligible alternatives, as well as cover additional costs linked to deploying and operating zero-emission propulsion systems.

Interferry is seeking clarification and expansion of the mechanism so that eligible investments also include the infrastructure needed to supply electricity to vessels.

Port Power Capacity Key to Ferry Electrification

Interferry said electric ferries face infrastructure requirements that differ from other maritime decarbonisation pathways. While alternative fuels primarily depend on fuel availability and cost, battery-electric vessels require adequate charging capacity during port calls and sufficient grid connections to deliver the necessary power.

The association said ferry operators can progressively increase battery capacity and extend the distances vessels can cover using electric propulsion, provided ports have sufficient power available within vessel turnaround times.

Interferry has previously called for port electrification investments to extend beyond the physical connection between a vessel and berth. According to the association, funding should also address electrical infrastructure behind the berth and any grid capacity upgrades required to deliver the necessary power.

EU ETS Review Could Expand Infrastructure Support

The proposed EU ETS review provides a potential funding mechanism for these investments because SMAP would use resources generated through the emissions trading system to support emission-free propulsion technologies.

Interferry has therefore argued that SMAP funding should be capable of supporting the infrastructure required to supply electricity to ferries, rather than being limited to investments made onboard vessels.

The association identifies the availability of sufficient power at ports as one of the factors currently limiting the wider deployment of electric ferries.

Maritime Transport Faces Expanded EU ETS Coverage

The European Commission’s SMAP proposal forms part of a broader review of the EU ETS Directive. Maritime transport was incorporated into the EU ETS in 2024 through a phased implementation, with the system scheduled to reach 100% coverage of covered emissions from 2026.

From 2026, the maritime component of the EU ETS also covers methane and nitrous oxide emissions, alongside carbon dioxide.

The Commission’s proposal will now proceed through the EU legislative process involving the European Parliament and the Council. The final scope of the SMAP mechanism, including which infrastructure and technologies can receive support, will depend on the outcome of those negotiations.