The Utility Trap
EOPSA published The Utility Trap, a position paper calling for a better alignment of expertise, responsibilities and investment to deliver the ambitions Europe has established through the Port Strategy (AFIR, FuelEU Maritime), the Electrification Action Plan, Fit for 55 and related tools.
Port and ship electrification represent an opportunity extending far beyond maritime decarbonisation:
Alternative fuels: Producing tomorrow's clean maritime fuels will require substantial quantities of electricity.
Education and jobs: Creating skilled, sustainable employment alongside Europe's digital and AI transformation.
Resilience: Strengthening ports and their ability to withstand disruptions.
Prosperity: Turning surplus renewable electricity, curtailment and negative prices into economic opportunities.
Quality of life: Delivering cleaner air, less noise and healthier communities.
Yet delivering these benefits requires bringing together four worlds that operate separately: electricity, sustainability, logistics and infrastructure.
We therefore propose establishing a cross-sectoral implementation group at European level, mirrored within Member States, bringing together genuine leaders, policymakers, academia, industry and other relevant stakeholders to bring down the remaining barriers, align responsibilities and accelerate delivery towards 2030.
Those who have already invested in response to Europe's commitments cannot afford further delays. Nor can Europe afford to undermine the confidence of those willing to invest.
Whether this initiative should sit within an existing European structure (e.g. EMS or ESSF) or take another form, we leave to your appreciation, but as shared above, what matters is bringing together the right expertise and genuine leadership, at European and national levels, with the authority, determination and clear mandate to deliver.