Bilbao Chaired EU Working Group Reviewing FuelEU Maritime OPS Rules
Cubierto por 3 fuentesPublicado
- Ship BunkerBilbao Port Authority Chairs EU Group on FuelEU Maritime Shore Power Rules
- Bilbao portLa Autoridad Portuaria de Bilbao preside el grupo de trabajo para elaborar un informe sobre el Reglamento FuelEU Maritime
- diario del puertoBilbao preside un grupo de trabajo sobre el Reglamento FuelEU Maritime
The Port Authority of Bilbao chaired a working group of the European Commission's European Sustainable Shipping Forum (ESSF) dedicated to analyzing the onshore power supply (OPS) provisions of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation. The resulting report was published by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), which praised the work carried out by participants and the coordination led by the Port Authority of Bilbao.
Challenges identified
The document sets out the main operational, technical and regulatory challenges posed by the implementation of the OPS provisions, incorporating the various viewpoints of stakeholders from the maritime and port sector. The working group examined scenarios such as short port calls, equipment breakdowns, technical incompatibilities, unforeseen circumstances and fluctuations in electricity prices, with the aim of fostering a consistent and effective application of the regulation across the European Union.
A stable framework for investment
The report highlights the need to establish a credible, predictable and stable framework for the use of OPS, one that supports the effective use of the system rolled out under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and gives confidence to investments by ports, terminal operators, electricity suppliers and shipping companies.
Progress in Bilbao
In parallel, the Port of Bilbao continues to roll out its own OPS system, which will allow vessels to connect to the shore power grid while in port and switch off their auxiliary engines, reducing emissions, noise and vibration. The full facilities are scheduled to enter service by the end of 2027, funded by the Port Authority itself together with the European Commission through the CEF program, NextGenerationEU and the European Investment Bank.
According to Ship Bunker, European shore power regulations will require cruise ships and container vessels to use electricity at major EU ports starting in 2030, while the climate benefits of shore power will depend on how the electricity used is generated.
