Shipping accounts for about 3% of global emissions, and ports are becoming critical energy hubs. This article from Enlit World features two EU young energy ambassadors who break down the real barriers: fuel uncertainty, grid capacity, and the need for coordinated policy. Laurens Dourleijn from Samskip argues that modal shift from road to sea can cut emissions by 80% without new fuels, while hydrogen and e-fuels will be needed for deeper cuts. Veronika Slakaityte from Chalmers University highlights that only 40% of core EU ports currently have shore side electricity, and that ports must be treated as energy infrastructure in grid planning and investment decisions. The piece covers the EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, and the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation as key policy drivers. Both contributors call for better policy alignment and risk reduction for first movers. The article is useful for anyone tracking maritime decarbonization, port electrification, or hydrogen fuel logistics in Europe.
