EN    EN  
 EUROPEAN  
COMMISSION 
Brussels, 28.6.2013  
COM(2013) 475 final 
  
REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND 
THE COUNCIL 
First Progress report on the implementation  of the Commission Staff Working Paper 
"Pollutant emission reduction  from maritime transport a nd the Sustainable Waterborne 
Transport Toolbox" 
(Text with EEA relevance) 
 
 
EN 2   EN REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO  THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND 
THE COUNCIL 
First Progress report on the implementation  of the Commission Staff Working Paper 
"Pollutant emission reduction from maritime  transport and the Sustainable Waterborne 
Transport Toolbox" 
(Text with EEA relevance) 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................ 4 
1.1. Purpose of the first progress report and reporting period ............................................ 4 
1.2. Summary and structure of the first progress report...................................................... 4 
2. SHORT – TERM MEASURES -- CURRENT STATE OF IMPLEMENTATION 
AND NEXT S TEPS..................................................................................................... 5 
2.1. EU transport funding instruments ................................................................................ 5 2.2. European Investment Bank (EIB) ................................................................................ 6 2.3. National funding.......................................................................................................... .7  
2.3.1. State aid measures...................................................................................................... .. 7 
2.3.2. National & Regional schemes in s upport of sustainable shipping............................... 8 
2.4. International dialogue and technical co-operation ....................................................... 8 
3. MEDIUM AND LONGER TERM MEASURES – THE SUSTAINABLE 
WATERBORNE TRANSPORT TOOLBO X – STATE OF PLAY AND NEXT 
STEPS .......................................................................................................................... 9 
3.1. Coordination with Stakehol ders and Member States................................................... 9 
3.1.1. Guidance on the implementation of Directive 2012/33/EU......................................... 9 3.2. Regulatory measures .................................................................................................. 10 3.2.1. Framework conditions for the use of marine LNG as ship fuel................................. 10 
3.2.1.1. Work undertaken at the IMO ..................................................................................... 10 3.2.1.2. Work undertaken at the ISO....................................................................................... 10 3.2.1.3. Work undertaken at EU level..................................................................................... 11 3.2.2. Scrubbing technology................................................................................................. 12 3.2.2.1. Approval of on-board exhaust gas cleaning systems ................................................. 12 3.2.2.2. Requirements for scrubber generated waste .............................................................. 13 3.2.3. Shore side electricity (SSE) ....................................................................................... 13 3.3. Development of infrastructure ................................................................................... 14 3.4. Research, technological deve lopment, and Innovation.............................................. 14 
4. CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................... 15 
 
EN 3   EN ANNEX 1........................................................................................................................ ......... 16 
ANNEX 2........................................................................................................................ ......... 19 
 
EN 4   EN 1. INTRODUCTION   
In September 2011, the Commission presented the staff working paper "P ollutant emission 
reduction from maritime transport and the Sustainable Waterborne Transport Toolbox1". This 
document, referred to as the "Toolbox", accompanied the proposal for an amendment to Directive 1999/32/EC of 26 April 1999, tran sposing the 2008 International Maritime 
Organization (IMO) standa rds on the maximum level of sul phur permitted for fuels used in 
the shipping sector. 
The Toolbox proposed a number of short-term  accompanying measures, under the current 
financial perspective, to reduce compliance costs in relation to the new low sulphur standards. 
It also proposed a set of medium and lo nger-term accompanying measures aimed at 
addressing the environmental challenges confron ting the EU shipping sector from a broader 
perspective and in a more integrated manner.  
1.1. Purpose of the first progress report and reporting period  
On 21 November 2012, the European Parlia ment and the Council adopted Directive 
2012/33/EU amending Council Directive 1999/32/EC on the sulphur conten t of marine fuels
2. 
The Directive promotes the use of alternativ e technology-based methods of compliance to the 
fuel-based option, e.g. on-board  exhaust gas cleani ng systems, alternative fuels such as 
liquified natural gas (LNG) a nd shore-side electricity.  
Article 1, paragraph 10, point (c ) 2 of Directive 2012/33/EU re quests that the Commission, in 
cooperation with Member States and stakehol ders develop "appropriate measures, including 
those identified in the Commission's staf f working paper of September 2011 promoting 
compliance with the environmental standards of  this Directive, and minimise the possible 
negative impacts".  
This first Progress Report covers the period from September 2011 to January 2013 and 
presents the current state of implementation of  the measures set out in the toolbox and puts 
forward proposals for closer cooperation be tween the Commission, Member States and 
industry stakeholders to manage the implementa tion of the measures a nd provides a means for 
developing additional measur es where appropriate. 
1.2. Summary and structure of the first progress report  
Implementing technology to comply with the Directive requires capital investment by the 
private sector, supported by the pub lic sector where necessary. Ch apter 2 briefly describes the 
progress to date related to the short - term accompanying measures, which were aimed at 
ensuring that current EU financ ial instruments, and national f unding schemes, would continue 
to provide specific support to maritime-based  projects which focused on promoting solutions 
complying with the new low sulphur standa rd. It outlines accomplishments as well as 
challenges hampering their implementation, and proposes actions to address them. 
Work on the formulation of medium and l onger-term accompanying m easures has already 
commenced with a set of actions focusing on id entifying and addressing the regulatory gaps 
hampering the safe and secure implementati on of clean ship technologies and use of 
alternative fuels, notably marine LNG, as well as on the development of the necessary 
standards and green infrastructu re. Chapter 3 briefly summarizes the current state of play of 
this process and outlines the way forward fo r the Commission, Member States, and industry 
stakeholders to jointly progress the toolbox impl ementation. In this context, the Commission 
                                                 
1 SEC (2011)1052 final 
2 OJ L 327, 27.11.2012, p.1 
 
EN 5   EN proposes the creation of a dedica ted expert group – the European  Sustainable Shipping Forum 
(ESSF). Chapter 4 presents the conclusi on and summarises the next steps.  
Annex 1 to this report pres ents a Roadmap for advanci ng the implementation of the 
Sustainable Waterborne Tr ansport Toolbox and Annex 2 lists the TEN-T co-funded 
Motorways of the Sea (MoS) a nd ports projects in support of the low sulphur political 
priority. 
2. SHORT  – TERM  MEASURES  -- CURRENT  STATE  OF IMPLEMENTATION  
AND  NEXT  STEPS 
2.1. EU transport funding instruments  
Throughout 2011 and 2012, the Tran s-European Transport Network (TEN–T) and the second 
Marco Polo Programmes have prov ided specific financial support to maritime-based projects 
focused on promoting solutions for compliance w ith the new low sulphur standard and which 
would facilitate the use of on-board exhaust gas cleaning systems and alternative fuels such as 
LNG and shore si de electricity. 
(a) TEN-T Programme 
The TEN-T Programme has co-funded a number of projects which have contributed to 
meeting the objective of increasing support fo r the use of low sulphur fuels including 
feasibility studies, design studies, pilot actions , and works facilitating the development of 
green infrastructure such as marine LNG, s hore shore-based bunkering infrastructure, shore 
shore-side power supply and sc rubbing technology. The total va lue of these TEN-T co-funded 
Motorways of the Sea (MoS) and ports projec ts is 123.3 million Euros of which 56.9 million 
Euros is the total contribution of the EU. 
LNG bunkering infrastructure developments ha ve taken place not only in the Sulphur 
Emission Control Area (SECA) area but also in th e Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic 
Ocean. These developments have mainly been of  a voluntary nature at the initiative of the 
Southern EU Member States and have the pot ential to contribute to the deployment of LNG 
bunkering facilities in  the whole EU.  
Support for the greener shipping sector and rela ted port infrastructure development including 
marine LNG bunkering barges will remain a priority under the subsequent annual and multiannual TEN-T calls for proposals. There also needs to be a focus on other measures such 
as the validation and testing of  innovative clean technologies, support for alternative fuels, 
including LNG, and the possibility of partic ular ship adjustments in order to meet 
environmental standards. It will also be important to address new measures combined with an 
upgrade to existing and planned Motorway of th e Sea (MoS) connections. State aid rules will 
be observed with respect to TEN-T  projects, where applicable.  
(b) Marco Polo II Programme  
In 2011, the Marco Polo Programme
3 introduced a specific political priority supporting Short 
Sea Shipping (SSS) based projects implem enting innovative emission reduction technology 
and efficient operational practices.  
However, despite the call for proposals in 2011, there was a poor response from industry 
mainly as a result of the difficult economic a nd financial climate. This meant that no SSS 
project responding to the specific priority was selected. Additionally, issues related to SSS 
competitiveness and environmental friendliness, including likely distortions in the logistics 
                                                 
3 C (2011) 7317, 19.10.2011 
 
EN 6   EN chain or modal backshift from sea to land-base d transport as a result of the introduction of 
stricter low sulphur standards in the Europ ean designated Sulphur Emission Control Area 
(SECA) in 2015 are being considered within the framework of an accompanying measure 
"Contribution to European programme fo r the support of Sh ort Sea Shipping ". The European 
Shortsea Network (ESN) composed of Shor tsea Promotion Centres (SPCs) currently 
implements this measure4. As a first step, ESN is to  develop by the end of 2013 a 
methodology for data collection and assessment of such possible impacts on the shortsea 
sector in the SECA area. 
The 2012 Marco Polo Call (with a budget of €64.6 m illion) has maintained its priorities for 
clean and environmental friendly Short Sea Shippi ng (SSS). Initial indications suggest that the 
2012 call attracted substantially more projects for SSS than in  2011 and the re sults of the 
project evaluations will become av ailable in the first half of 2013. 
In order to ensure continuity of all these initiatives under the next  Multi-annual Financial 
Framework 2014-20, it will be impo rtant to ensure that the act ivities to support measures 
benefitting clean shipping w ill be continued through the follow-up of the Marco Polo 
programme within the revised Trans-Eu ropean Transport Networks (TEN-T)5 and the 
Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)6. The Commission proposals for TEN-T and CEF are 
currently being discussed in th e legislative procedure between the European Parliament and 
the Council. 
Next steps  
                                                 
4 Pursuant to article 12 of the Marco Polo Regulation (EC) No. 1692/2006/of the European Parliament 
and the Council of 24 October 2006 establishing the second Marco Polo Programme for the granting of 
financial assistance to improve the environmental performance of the freight transport system ("Marco Polo II"), OJ L 328,  24.11.2006,p.1, th e Work Programme 2011 covere d four additional accompanying 
measures. " Contribution to European programme for the support of Short Sea Shipping (SSS) " is being 
realized through a grant in the meaning of Article 168(1)f of the implementing rules for the financial 
regulation applicable to the general budget of the EU. The estimated budget is 350.000 Euro. 
5 Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council on Union guidelines for the 
development of the Trans-European Transport Network, COM(2011)0650 final  
6 Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council establishing the Connecting 
Europe Facility, COM(2011)0665 final  Action  Responsible 
actors  Timeline 
1. Apply for funding under the 2012 TEN-T Multi-
annual and Annual Calls for proposals MS/Industry Closed 
28/02/2013 
2. Use the opportunities provided by the 2013 
Marco Polo Call. Industry 1st semester 2013  
3. Analyse possible ways of  adjusting the criteria 
of the Marco Polo II Programme in order to 
better reflect market conditions and enable 
funding to green shipping projects.  EC/MS Early 2013 
4. Ensure better use of th e EU transport funding 
instruments and coordination with other EU instruments i.e. Structur al funds, EIB loans, etc. EC/MS/Industry Early 2013 
5. Ensure continuity of the ESN work related to 
possible impacts (i.e. modal backshift) on the 
shortsea sector in the SECA area.  EC/ 
ESN/SPCs  2013-2014 
 
EN 7   EN EC- European Commission, MS- Member States, ESN – Euro pean Shortsea Network, SPC – Shortsea Promotion Centre  
2.2. European Investment Bank (EIB)  
The EIB has continued to provide financing to maritime transport projects focusing on 
supporting, in line with the EU  legislation, the developmen t of clean ship technology and 
increased fuel efficiency. For instance, EIB loan s could cover up to half of the costs incurred 
for new ships (especially if using new technology)  or fleet-wide optimisa tion projects such as 
exhaust gas scrubber installations  and adaptation of engines to use LNG, provided that the 
minimum size of the loan is EUR 50 million. However, to date, there have been few applications for funding to the EIB. 
One option to address the low re sponse from the shipping sector could be to create more 
awareness of the EIB lending conditions for sh ipping. Furthermore, oppo rtunities could arise 
by exploring possible cross-sectoral (multi-stakeholder) partnerships
7 which could bring 
together partners working together to devel op, secure financing, and implement maritime 
projects, which could aim inter alia to test, validate, and deploy clea n ship technologies. 
Bundling a number of upgrading pr ojects in order to achieve  critical mass of required 
investment (i.e. above EUR 50 million), could be another option that could be explored by the 
sector. Moreover, the use of other innovative fi nancial instruments implemented by the EIB, 
such as the Loan Guarantee for TEN-T (LGTT) or the pilot phase of the Europe 2020 Project 
bond initiative8, to finance large European maritime infrastructure projects or the Risk-
Sharing Finance Facility to finance pilot and demonstration activities should be explored. The 
recent Green paper9 on long-term financing of the Eur opean Economy should also be taken 
into account. 
Next steps  
                                                 
7 e.g. an alliance between organizations from two or more sectors such as business, government, 
intergovernmental organizations acting in the maritime domain. 
8 Regulation (EU) No 670/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 July 2012 amending 
Decision No 1639/2006/EC establishing a Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (2007-2013) and Regulation (EC) No 680/2007 laying down general rules for the granting of 
Community financial aid in the field of the trans-European transport and energy networks 
9 COM(2013) 150 final  Action  Responsible 
actors  Timeline
6. Create more awareness about the EIB 
lending framework conditions for 
shipping.   EIB/EC/Industry  2013 -
2014 
7. Explore opportunities for possible cross-
sector partnerships that could secure EIB financing for maritime projects.  EC/ESSF   2013-
2014 
8. Explore the use of the LGTT or the pilot 
phase of the Europe 2020 project bond 
initiative for financing maritime transport 
infrastructure projects with long payback 
periods.  EC/MS/Industry/ 
 ESSF    2013-
2014 
9. Explore the financial bundling of 
upgrading projects in order to request general EIB loans  ESSF   2013-
2014 
 
EN 8   EN EIB- European Investment  Bank, ESSF – European Su stainable Shipping Forum   
2.3. National funding  
2.3.1. State aid measures covered by the Environmental Stat e Aid Guidelines 
The conditions for the applicatio n of State aid provi sions to support early adaptation to the 
new environmental standard, foreseen in section 3.1.1. and 3.1.2. of the Community 
Guidelines on State aid for environmental protection10, were further clarified. Accordingly, 
Member States wishing to prov ide support to operators affected  by the low sulphur standard 
introduced by Directive 2012/33/EU  may grant State aid for:  
• The acquisition of new ships that comply w ith the new sulphur limits provided that 
acquisition takes place until one year before the new standard enters into force, i.e. 
until 31 December 2013. The maximum ai d intensity is 10%, 15% and 20%, 
respectively for large, medium and small-sized companies; 
• Retrofitting of existing vessels in order to  comply with the new sulphur limits (e.g. 
installation of scrubbers) befo re the new standard enters into force, i.e. until 31 
December 2014. The maximum aid intensity  is 50%, 60%, and 70%, respectively 
for large, medium, and small-sized companies. 
Due to the current budget deficits  and austerity measures adopted  by most EU Member States, 
the application of this possibility has been li mited. So far, Finland is the only Member State 
that has provided such support for early adaptati on to the recently adopted Sulphur Directive. 
The Commission approved the Finnish support scheme on 7 December 201111 and on 23 
January 2013, it approved some amen dments to the original scheme12 . In addition, the 
Finnish authorities implemented an individual aid on the basis of this scheme in favour of a 
new LNG driven ferry between Turku and Stockholm13.  
2.3.2. Other national & regional schemes in support of sustainable shipping  
In addition to measures in support of early adap tation to the new environm ental standard, it is 
necessary to examine the case for specific public  involvement at a na tional and/or regional 
level to enable sustainable shipping in compliance with State aid rules. These could take the form of incentives for green ships calling at natio nal ports e.g. green port  dues and port tariffs, 
tax exemptions, or other national schemes that could reward early inve stors in clean ship 
technology and promoters of  sustainable shipping. 
Next steps 
 
                                                 
10 OJ C 82. 1.4.2008, p.1. 
11 SA. 32118 - Finland – The scheme on general guidelines on investment aid to vessels for the purpose of 
improving environmental protection; OJ C 22, 27.1.2012, p. 4. 
12 SA.35686 (2012/N) – Finland - "Amendments to the Scheme on General Guidelines on Investment Aid 
to Vessels for the Purpose of Improving Environmental Protection"); published on 23 January 2013..  
13 SA.33382 – Finland - State aid related to environmental protection for Viking Line Ltd., adopted on 
25.04.2012, OJ C 160, 6.6.2012, p. 9. 
 
EN 9   EN 2.4. International dialogue and technical co-operation  
The Commission has included the Toolbox on the agenda of th e bilateral and multilateral 
maritime transport dialogue meetings with key partners including the United States of 
America, China, Japan, Norway, and Brazil. The purpose of these exchanges is to ensure 
major partners are informed about EU proposals, learn about their efforts in the area, identify 
opportunities for joint action, and ensure a global  compatibility of technical and operational 
measures. Coordination with initiatives at the IMO, the International Organization for 
Standardization (ISO) and othe r relevant bodies will be essential to ensure global 
interoperability of possible tec hnical and operational st andards that might be adopted at EU or 
international level. 
Next steps  
3. MEDIUM  AND  LONGER  TERM  MEASURES  – STATE  OF PLAY  AND  NEXT  
STEPS 
The Sustainable Toolbox proposed medium an d longer-term accompanying measures along 
the following components: regulatory EU meas ures, clean ship technology and alternative 
fuels, green infrastructure, possible financ ing opportunities, resear ch and development 
activities, innovation, and in ternational cooperation.  
3.1. Coordination with Stakeh olders and Member States  
Given the multitude of possible approaches and solutions and reflecting the need voiced by 
many industry stakeholders and Me mber States for a more struct ured exchange of information 
and coordination of efforts in order to adva nce Toolbox implementation, the Commission will 
undertake the creation of a dedi cated expert group – the Eur opean Sustainable Shipping 
Forum (ESSF). 
The ESSF will bring together repr esentatives of Member States as well as private and public 
organisations to enable a structural dialogu e, exchange of best practice and technical 
knowledge, cooperation and coordination between  relevant public a nd private maritime 
industries' stakeholders and re levant Commission services in areas jointly identified. The  Action  Responsible 
actors  Timeline
10. Examine the introduction of national funding 
schemes in support of early compliance by 
national ship operators with the low sulphur 
standard.   MS   2013-
2014 
11. Identify possible incentives  applicable at local, 
national and regional level i.e. green port dues and tariffs for green ships (in compliance with State aid rules).  MS, 
Industry  2013-
2014 
 Action  Responsible 
actors  Timeline
12. Continue the maritime international dialogue 
with major international partners and 
coordination with IMO / ISO on maritime 
sustainability related topics.  EC assisted 
by EMSA  On-
going  
 
EN 10   EN ESSF will provide an opportunity to discuss pract ical issues that may be encountered during 
the implementation process, in particular durin g the transition phase before the entry into 
force of the new standards. The ESSF will thus al so provide a platform to discuss short-term 
measures as described in chapter 2 above. The ESSF will furthermore take due account of 
regional specificities wherever necessary. 
It is envisaged that the ESSF w ill operate with the following struct ure: a plenary, a secretariat, 
and non-permanent technical working groups to take forward the work of the ESSF on specific issues. The ESSF will be chaired by the Commission and will approve its terms of reference based on a proposal by the Commissi on. It is envisaged that the ESSF will be 
established via a respecti ve Commission decision. 
3.1.1. Guidance on the implementation of Directive 2012/33/EU 
Directive 2012/33/EU was published in the EU 's Official Journal on 27 November 2012. 
Member States have until 18 June 2014 to transp ose the Directive into their national law. The 
Directive foresees a number of implementing and delegated acts, which aim, inter alia, to help 
Member States with the monitoring, implemen tation and enforcement of the Directive. The 
Directive also foresees that a committee and an expert group composed of Member States' 
experts will assist the Commission to prepare these acts. 
To enable this process, it is envisaged that  an Expert Group discussing the implementation of 
Directive 2012/33/EU will be set-up under the ESSF.  
Next steps
 
3.2. Regulatory measures  
3.2.1. Framework conditions for the use of marine LNG as ship fuel Fulfilling the potential offered by LNG as a ship fu el requires that every effort is made in 
order to guarantee that all the necessary safety rules are in pl ace, and that this happens in a 
timely manner so that legal uncertainty is  removed. Work is in  progress at both the 
international, at IMO and the ISO and EU levels to ensure this happens. 
3.2.1.1. Work undertaken at the IMO At present, the IMO subcommittee on Bulk Liquids and Gases (BLG) is working on the 
International Gas as Fuel Code (IGF), which will supersede the IMO Interim Guidelines for 
gas as ship fuel (MSC. 285(86)). Important te chnical questions are still under examination, 
such as the location of the LNG tank, the sa feguards against damage by collisions and  Action  Responsible 
actors  Timeline
13. Set-up the European Sustainable Shipping 
Forum (ESSF).  
 EC together with 
all concerned 
stakeholders  1st half of 
2013 
14. Organize first ESSF Plenary meeting and 
launch the work of the ESSF technical working groups 
 EC, ESSF 2
nd half of 
2013 
15. Discuss the implementation of Directive 
2012/33/EU EC, MS, ESSF, 
Industry 2nd half of 
2013 - 2015 
 
EN 11   EN groundings, the use of portable ta nks, or the rules for bunkeri ng operations. These technical 
questions are of critical  importance, not least in the case of passenger ships. Aspects relating 
to the training of seafarers will need to be ex amined, too. The IGF Code is expected to be 
finalized in 2014. 
3.2.1.2. Work undertaken at the ISO  Within ISO, the relevant t echnical committee (ISO TC 67 Wo rking Group 10) is currently 
working on the development of guidelines for sy stems and installations for supply of LNG as 
fuel to ships including requirements for sa fety, components and systems and training. The 
first draft of the guidelines will be finali zed in 2013. These guidelines will supplement the 
ISO body of work related to marine LNG. 
 
EN 12   EN  
3.2.1.3. Work undertaken at EU level  
(a) Mandatory technical standa rds for alternative fuels infrastructure deployment 
On 24 January 2013, the Commission presente d the Clean Power Tr ansport Package, 
including a proposal for a Directive of the Eu ropean Parliament and of the Council on the 
deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure14. The proposed Direct ive requires Member 
States to ensure that all maritime ports of the TEN-T core network are equipped with LNG 
refuelling points for waterborne vessels by 31 December 2020 (Article 6, paragraph 2). The 
proposed Directive also requires that all refuelling points resp ect certain technical 
specifications by 31 December 2015 (Article 6, paragraph 4). 
LNG refuelling points for waterborne vessels sha ll comply with European standards yet to be 
elaborated and based on the gl obal ISO standard ISO/TC67/WG10. 
(b) Procedures and rules for marine  LNG distribution and bunkering  
The absence of common procedures and harmoni sed rules for the dist ribution and bunkering 
of LNG to ships at EU level is currently be ing addressed by the Commission in cooperation 
with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). This work was supported by meetings 
of an ad-hoc expert group on marine LNG orga nised in April, June and December 2012 by the 
Commission and EMSA.  
The expert group focused mainly on taking stoc k of the current rules and standards on LNG 
and on identifying potential barriers  hampering the wide scale use of LNG as ship fuel in the 
EU.  
In addition, the Commission, assisted by EMSA, is following and coordi nating its work with 
the on-going regula tory developments at international le vel addressing the use of marine LNG 
bunkering within the IMO, the ISO, the Intern ational Association of Ports and Harbors 
(IAPH), and the Society of In ternational Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO). 
Furthermore, EMSA has commissioned external  expertise for carrying out a gap analysis on 
standards and rules for bunke ring gas-fuelled ships.  
The European Commission will continue the di scussions and work towards the adoption of 
EU-wide LNG bunkering framework conditions co mpatible at international level. The 
Commission Staff working docum ent on "Actions towards a comprehensive EU framework 
on LNG for shipping" accompanying the Comm unication on Clean Transport for Power: A 
European alternative fuels strategy15 sets out the results achieved so far and further steps until 
the end of 2014 towards a comprehensive set of rules, standards, and guidelines.  
(c) Support actions  
The European Parliament has also proposed  preparatory action (with a budget €1 million) 
aimed at supporting the introduction of adequa te framework conditions for LNG for shipping, 
e.g. through focussed studies. The scope of the acti on is yet to be finalised and will take into 
account the outcome of gap an alysis work undertaken in 2012 by the Commission, EMSA and 
relevant stakeholders. It may also support any future actions envisaged to further develop 
framework conditions for marine LNG use following the discussions in the ESSF. 
                                                 
14 COM(2013)018 final 
15 COM (2013) 17 final of 24.01.2013 
 
EN 13   EN  
Next steps marine LNG  
Given the complexity of this topic, there is a need to widen the scope and participation to 
other stakeholders in the marine LNG supply chain to include rele vant Member States 
authorities. It is therefore envisaged that a working group on marine LNG is set up under the 
ESSF. The working group will base its work inte r alia on the results of the ad-hoc expert 
group on LNG, the recommendations issued by  the EMSA legal gap analysis study and 
further feasibility studies supported by the TEN-T  Programme i.e. Northern EU LNG project 
etc.. 
This working group will provide advice to the ESSF on technical and le gal aspects dedicated 
to developing framework conditions (standards, guidelines, and/or regulations) for facilitating 
LNG as marine fuel at EU level and may carry out the following actions: 
3.2.2. Scrubbing technology  
3.2.2.1. Approval of on-board exhaust gas cleaning systems 
Harmonised requirements for the approval of  on-board exhaust gas cleaning systems 
(scrubbing technology) for ships flying the flag of an EU Member State were incorporated 
into Commission Directive 2011/75/EU of 2 September 201116, amending Council Directive 
96/98/EC on marine equipment17. According to these new pr ovisions, from 5 October 2012, 
                                                 
16 OJ L 239, 15.9.2011, p. 1 
17 OJ L 46, 17.2.1997, p. 25  Action  Responsible 
actors  Timeline
16. Develop common, harmonized guidelines/ 
standards/rules for marine LNG as ship 
fuel covering tec hnical, operational, 
safety, security and training aspects for : 
(a) transfer, storage and distribution,  
(b) bunkering 
(c) use on-board ship  EC/EMSA/ESSF 
   2013-
2014 
17. Analyse some of the potential market 
barriers hampering the deployment of LNG i.e. organisational, operational, cost-related and the lack of information.   EC/ EMSA/ 
ESSF  2013-
2014 
18. Maintain links and ensure coordination 
with on-going regulatory developments at 
international level addressing the use of 
marine LNG i.e. in IMO, ISO, IAPH, 
SIGTTO etc.  EC/ EMSA/ 
ESSF  2013-
2014 
19. Provide guidance and support for the 
creation and assessment of effective business cases (LNG supply chain 
approach).  EC/ EMSA/ 
ESSF  2013-
2014 
20. Enhance public awareness about the 
benefits of marine LNG.  EC/ EMSA/ 
ESSF  2013-
2014 
 
EN 14   EN scrubbers placed on board EU ships must comp ly with the standard s laid down in Annex 
A.118 of the Directive.  
3.2.2.2. Requirements for scrubber-generated waste Some types of scrubbers generate  waste that can not be discharg ed into the s ea but that do 
need to be properly treated. Accordingly, requirements for scrubber-generated waste will be assessed by the Commission services during  the ongoing review process of Directive 
2000/59/EC of the European Parliament a nd the Council of 27 November 2000 on port 
reception facilities for ship ge nerated waste and cargo residues. 
Next steps scrubbing technology
 
Given the technical, operational and economic challenges associated with the installation, 
operation and maintenance of exhaust gas cleaning  systems (scrubbers), it is envisaged that a 
working group on Scrubbing technology should be  established under the ESSF. The working 
group will consider, inter alia , the suitability of scr ubbers to be fitted on  all types of engines 
and all categories and size of ve ssels, initial cost, availabi lity, maturity of the products, 
payback time, disposal of resi dues (sludge), and crew training . This working group will 
advise the ESSF on technical, economic, and operational aspects relating to the use of 
scrubbing technology in shipping. 
3.2.3. Shore side electricity  
Standardisation efforts to fost er the introduction of this te chnology which can greatly reduce 
local pollution in ports, and could in the fu ture be fed by clean offshore wind energy are 
already on the way. The proposal for a Direc tive on the deployment of alternative fuels 
                                                 
18 Annex A.1 – Equipment for which detailed testing st andards already exist in international instruments  Action  Responsible 
actors  Timeline
21. Propose to include the residues from exhaust 
gas cleaning systems under the revised 
Directive 2000/59/EC on port reception 
facilities. 
  EC  2nd 
quarter 
2013 
22. Assess the need for guidelines and/or 
standards for scrubbing technology covering 
technical, operational and safety aspects, 
including training for cr ew, as well as marine 
pollution aspects.  EC/ EMSA/ 
ESSF/ 
   2013-
2014 
23. Identify and analyse potential market barriers 
hampering scrubbing technology take-up.  EC/ESSF  2013-
2014 
24. Ensure coordination with ongoing regulatory 
initiatives at international level, i.e. the IMO work on wash water cr iteria for exhaust gas 
cleaning systems.  EC assisted 
by EMSA  2013-
2014 
25. Exchange information on on-going and 
planned projects and tria ls related to the 
installation of scrubbi ng technology on board 
vessels.   EC/ EMSA/ 
ESSF  2013-
2014 
 
EN 15   EN infrastructure19, requires Member States to ensure th at shore side electricity supply for 
waterborne vessels is installed in ports provided that is cost effective and has environmental 
benefits. Furthermore, the propos ed Directive requires that s hore side electr icity complies 
with the relevant EN standard and technical  specifications of the recently adopted global 
standard IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005-1 by 31 December 2015.  
Further incentives are proposed in the current revision of Di rective 2003/96/EC of 27 October 
2003 restructuring the Community framework for the taxation of energy products and 
electricity. The Commission propo sal provides for a mandatory temporary tax exemption for 
shore-side electricity provided to  ships while at bert h in port. Once the di rective is adopted, 
this incentive shall apply for an 8-year peri od. However, discussions to take forward the 
proposed legislation are still ongoing.  
Next steps  
3.3. Development of infrastructure  
The proposal for a new TEN-T Regul ation sets infrastructure requ irements that are aimed at 
facilitating safe, efficient, smart, energy-e fficient, and sustainable transport services. 
Adequate consideration is given to new tec hnologies and innovations deployment, including 
in particular the provision of alternative fuelling facilities required to use clean ship technologies. TEN-T support will facilitate the tran sition to cleaner shipping on the major 
traffic axes along the EU coasts and th eir interfaces with the hinterland.  
3.4. Research, technological development, and innovation  
The EU Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) for transport has supported a number of 
research projects
20 looking specifically at the development of innovative maritime concepts, 
including clean ship technologies , alternative fuels a nd operation strategies for greening the 
maritime transport. These actions are also taki ng account of the Maritime Strategic Research 
Agenda's priorities defined by the industr y driven "WATERBORNE Technology Platform" 
bringing together relevant st akeholders engaged in water borne transport research and 
development.21. The WATERBORNE Technology Platform is currently updating its Strategic 
Research Agenda in order to provide views on priorities for the next Working Programme to 
be implemented under "Horizon 2020" -- the EU's funding programme for research and 
innovation for 2014-2020. 
In order to meet the environmental and climat e challenges facing the sh ipping sector, further 
investment in research and development coupl ed with a more coordinated and consistent 
approach from the EU maritime community is needed. The 2011 White Paper "Roadmap to a 
                                                 
19 COM(2013) 18 final 
20 STREAMLINE (Strategic Research for Innovative Marine Propulsion Concepts), TEFLES 
(Technologies and Scenarios for Low Emissions Shipping), DEECON (Innovative After-treatment 
System for Marine Diesel Engine Emission Control) and HELIOS (High Pressure Electronically 
Controlled Gas Injection for Marine Two-stroke Diesel Engines) are examples of such EU funded research projects that can be further consulted on the Community Research and Development 
Information Service (C ORDIS) website http://cordis.europa.eu/projects/home_en.html 
21 http://www.water borne-tp.org/  Action  Responsible 
actors  Timeline
26. Member states and industry to make best use 
of the incentives provided for shore-side 
electricity.    MS/industry   31/12/ 
2020  
 
EN 16   EN Single European Transport Area – Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport 
system22" has set ambitious goals for CO 2 emission reductions from shipping. Stakeholder 
contacts show that the industry is worki ng on innovative approaches  towards zero emission 
ships"23. Generally, increased energy efficiency of  vessels leads to reduced overall fuel 
consumption and thus to the direct redu ction of emissions of pollutants and CO 2. Such 
innovative approaches require the integrat ion of several new technologies, more 
comprehensive studies a nd validation projects. 
Research and development options for the im plementation of the Sustainable Waterborne 
Transport Toolbox could be found in the Horizon 2020, under the "Smart, Green and 
Integrated Transport" societal challenge. To ensure the optimal benefit is achieved from the 
"Horizon 2020" programme, it is envisaged that a working group on Research, Innovation, 
and Technologies is established under the E SSF. The working group will elaborate for the 
ESSF on research and development orientations, requirements, and decisions in support of the 
Toolbox through the Horizon 2020 specific pr ogramme. Wherever necessary, regional 
specificities will be taken into account.  
Next steps  
4. CONCLUSION   
The Commission will continue to work closely with Member States and stakeholders on the 
implementation of the measures identified in the Commission's staff working paper of 16 
September 2011, as well as on the development of  additional measures that would promote 
                                                 
22 COM(2011)0144 final 
23 The recent LeaderSHIP report published on 20 February 2013 also contemplates a possible private 
public partnership approach  towards zero emission / zero technical accident vessels 
(http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/maritime/shipbuilding/leadership2015/)   Action  Responsible 
actors  Timeline
27. Contribute to the definition of the work 
programme for the calls for proposals under 
HORIZON 2020.  
(a) suggest appropriate topics and type of 
actions.  
(b) inform and guide the interested 
organizations to make best use of Horizon 
2020 funding for the implementation of the 
Toolbox.  
EC/WTP/ESSF/ Throughout 2013 
and beyond 
28. Contribute to the St rategic Research and 
Innovation Agenda for the maritime transport sector under Horizon 2020. 
(a) monitor progress and update research 
and development requirements for the Toolbox. 
(b) help aligning the EU research and 
innovation actions with policy 
implementation.   
EC/WTP/ ESSF 
  
EC/WTP/ ESSF 
   
 Throughout 2013 
and beyond  
 
EN 17   EN further compliance with the low sulphur standard  and foster sustainabl e and competitive EU 
shipping. To this end, the set of actions identified in the previ ous chapters and summarized in 
Annex 1 to this report will be implemented. 
In order to advance and coordinate this pr ocess, the Commission will undertake the creation 
of a wider stakeholder forum – the European  Sustainable Shipping Forum (ESSF). The ESSF 
will provide a platform for a structural dialogu e, exchange of best practices and technical 
knowledge, cooperation, and coordination amongs t relevant public and private maritime 
industries' stakeholders and re levant Commission services in areas jointly identified. The 
ESSF will be assisted by technical working gro ups which will focus in the first instance on 
scrubbing technology and marine LNG deploym ent, coordination of research and 
development activities and innovation (working on the basis of the broader research and 
development orientations provided by the WATERBORNE Technology Platform), financing 
aspects and exchange of best practices fo r the implementation of Directive 2012/33/EU.  
The Commission will report on the progress made on the implementation of these measures in 
mid-2015.  
 
EN 18   EN ANNEX 1 : Roadmap for advancing the implementa tion of the Sustainable Waterborne 
Transport Toolbox  
  Action  Responsible 
Actors  Timeline
1 Apply for funding under the 2012 TEN-T 
Multi-annual and Annual Calls for 
proposals. MS/Industry Closed 
28/02/2013 
2 Use the opportunities provided by the 
2013 Marco Polo Call. Industry 1st semester 2013
3 Analyse possible ways of adjusting the 
criteria of the Marco Polo II Programme 
in order to better reflect market 
conditions and enable funding to green 
shipping projects EC/MS Early 2013 
4 Ensure better use of the EU Transport 
funding instruments and coordination with other EU instruments i.e. Structural Funds, EIB loans, etc. EC/MS/Industry Early 2013 
5 Ensure continuity of the ESN work 
related to the assessment of likely 
impacts (i.e. modal back shift) on the 
shortsea sector in the SECA area. EC/ESN/SPCs 2013-2014 
6 Create more awareness about the EIB 
lending framework conditions for shipping. EIB/EC 2013-2014 
7 Explore opportunities for possible cross-
sector partnerships th at could secure EIB 
financing for maritime projects. EC/MS/Industry/ 
ESSF 2013-2014 
8 Explore the use of the LGTT or the pilot 
phase of the Europe 2020 project bond initiative for financing maritime transport infrastructure projects with long payback periods. EC/MS/Industry/ 
ESSF 2013-2014 
9 Explore the financial bundling of 
upgrading projects in order to request 
general EIB loans 
 MS/Industry/ESSF 2013-2014 
10 Examine the introduction of national 
funding schemes in support of early compliance by national ship operators MS 2013-2014 
 
EN 19   EN   Action  Responsible 
Actors  Timeline
with the low sulphur standard. 
11 Identify possible incentives applicable at 
local, national and regional level i.e. 
green port dues and tariffs for green 
ships (in compliance with State aid 
rules). MS/Industry 2013-2014 
12 Continue the maritime international 
dialogue with major international partners and coordination with IMO/ISO on maritime sustainability related topics. EC assisted by EMSA Recurrent 
13 Set-up the European Sustainable 
Shipping Forum (ESSF). EC together with 
relevant stakeholders 1st half of 2013 
14 Organize first ESSF Plenary meeting and 
launch the work of the ESSF technical working groups. EC/ESSF 2
nd half of 2013 
15 Discuss the implementation of Directive 
2012/33/EU EC/ MS/ ESSF/Industry 2nd half of 2013 - 
2015 
16 Develop common, harmonized 
guidelines/ standards/rules for marine LNG as ship fuel covering technical, operational, safety, security and training aspects for :  
(a) transfer, storage and 
distribution;  
(b) bunkering; 
(c) use on board of ships.   EC/EMSA/ESSF 2013-2014 
17 Analyze some of the potential market 
barriers hampering the deployment of 
LNG i.e. organizational, operational, cost 
related and the lack of information. EC/ EMSA/ ESSF  2013-2014 
18 Maintain links and ensure coordination 
with on-going regulatory developments at international level addressing the use of marine LNG i.e. in IMO, ISO, IAPH, SIGTTO etc.. EC/ EMSA/ ESSF  2013-2014 
19 Provide guidance and support for the 
creation and assessment of effective 
business cases (LNG supply chain 
approach). EC/ EMSA/ ESSF  2013-2014 
 
EN 20   EN   Action  Responsible 
Actors  Timeline
20 Enhance public awareness about the 
benefits of marine LNG. EC/ EMSA/ ESSF  2013-2014 
21 Propose to include the residues from 
exhaust gas cleaning systems under the 
revised Directive 2000/59/EC on port 
reception EC 2nd quarter 2013 
22 Assess the need for guidelines and/or 
standards for scrubbing technology covering technical, operational and safety aspects, incl uding training for 
crew, as well as marine pollution aspects EC/EMSA/ESSF 2013-2014 
23 Identify and analyse potential market 
barriers hampering scrubbing technology 
take-up EC/ESSF 2013-2014 
24 Ensure coordination with ongoing 
regulatory initiative s at international 
level, i.e. the IMO work on wash water criteria for exhaust gas cleaning systems. EC/ESSF 2013-2014 
25 Exchange information on on-going and 
planned projects and trials related to the 
installation of scrubbing technology on 
board vessels . EC/EMSA/ESSF 2013-2014 
26 Member states and industry to make best 
use of the incentives provided for shore-
side electricity MS/Industry 31/12/2020 
27 Contribute to the definition of the work 
programme for the calls for proposals 
under Horizon 2020. Suggest appropriate 
topics and type of actions. Inform and 
guide the interesting organizations to 
make best use of Horizon 2020 funding 
for the implementation of the Sustainable 
Toolbox. EC/WTP/ESSF 2013 and beyond 
28 Contribute to the Strategic Research and 
Innovation Agenda for the maritime transport sector under Horizon 2020. Monitor progress and update research and development requirements for the Sustainable Waterb orne Transport 
Toolbox. Help aligning the EU research EC/WTP/ESSF 2013 and beyond 
 
EN 21   EN   Action  Responsible 
Actors  Timeline
and innovation actions with policy 
implementation. 
 
EN 22   EN  
ANNEX 2: TEN-T supported MoS (Motorways of the Sea) and ports projects with 
specific environmental dimension 
Published on : http://tentea.ec.europa.eu/en/ten-t_projects /ten-t_projects_by_transport_mode/water.htm  
More information about TEN-T funded projects is published on TEN-T Executive Agency website 
(http://tentea.ec.europa.eu/en/home/ ) 
On-going MoS Project portfolio:         
         
Project Code Title Action 
type Planned 
duration 
(years)  Initial End 
Date Estimated 
End Date Initial  
total 
costs 
(€ M) TEN-T 
support (€ 
M)   
2010-EU-21112-S LNG infrastructure of filling 
stations and deployment in ships Studies 3,2 31/03/2013 31/12/2013 26,8 9,6 
 
2009-EU-21010-P Baltic Link Gdynia-Karlskrona  
(part of the project related to 
shore side electricity in one port 
and two vessels) Works 4,8 31/10/2013 31/10/2013 85,5 17,1 
 
2011-EU-21002-P On Shore Power Supply - an 
integrated North Sea network Works 3,3 31/12/2014 31/12/2014 5,0 1,0  
2011-EU-21005-S LNG in Baltic Sea Ports Studies 3,0 31/12/2014 31/12/2014 4,8 2,4  
2011-EU-21007-S COSTA Studies 2,8 31/12/2013 31/12/2013 3,0 1,5  
2011-EU-21010-M Green Bridge on Nordic Corridor 
(part of the project related to 
installation of scrubbers on two 
vessels and shore-side electricity 
in two ports) Mixed 
(studies & 
works) 4,0 31/12/2014 31/12/2014 84,6 19,8 
 
Total           111,4 51,4  
On-going port projects portfolio:         
         
Project Code Title Action 
type Planned 
duration 
(years)  Initial End 
Date Estimated 
End Date Initial  
total 
costs 
(€ M) TEN-T 
support (€ 
M)   
2011-ES-92138-S Blue Corridors enHance through 
the Application of Natural Gas 
Energy Study 1,3 31/12/2013 31/12/2013 2,2 1,1 
 
2011-EU-92151-S Green technologies and eco-
efficient alternatives for cranes 
& operations at port container 
terminals (GREENCRANES) Study 1,9 31/05/2014 31/05/2014 3,6 1,8 
 
2011-EU-92079-S Make a Difference Study 1,2 31/12/2014 31/12/2014 2,5 1,2  
2011-FR-92026-S Technical and design studies 
concerning the implementation 
of a LNG bunkering station at the 
port of Dunkirk Study 2,4 31/12/2014 31/12/2014 2,3 1,1 
 
2011-SE-92148-P Fjalir project Works 1,2 31/12/2013 31/12/2013 1,3 0,3  
Total           11,9 5,5