Inland ports welcome a clear framework on onshore power supply
Press Releases
29 March 2023
On 28th of March European Parliament’s negotiators and the Council reached a deal on the requirements for Alternative Fuel Infrastructure (AFIR) The European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP) has closely followed the negotiations on AFIR. EFIP brings together nearly 200 inland ports and port authorities in 18 countries of the European Union, Switzerland, Serbia and Ukraine. As Enablers of Green Logistics, inland ports are supporting all low- and zero-emission forms of transport by deploying the relevant infrastructure
Primarily for inland ports, a deadline has been set for all TEN-T inland ports to have shore side electricity infrastructure in place by 2030. This clarity makes it clear when inland ports have to realise Onshore Power Supply (OPS) in their areas while leaving space for flexibility on how to achieve this.
Decarbonising of inland shipping is a top priority for European inland ports. OPS enables stationary vessels to cut all emission leading to reduction of GHG emissions and improve the local air quality.
The AFIR supports inland ports by having Member States ensure that their electricity grid and network both has the capacity and reach for inland ports to deploy the OPS infrastructure. The main challenge for realising OPS today is the uncertainty regarding the grid capacity.
The AFIR is also looking into the future by having a review planned in 2026. At this moment Member States will have to assess what future alternative fuel infrastructure needs to be deployed in Europe. This is important given the developments in battery and hydrogen fuel cell navigation in inland ports.
“The European inland ports welcome the agreement on AFIR as it provides us with clear and achievable requirements for OPS while giving inland ports the necessary tools. At the same time the AFIR sets out the road for currently developing alternative fuels such as battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell navigation. However continued funding will be essential to realise the current and future goals of the AFIR,” says EFIP Director Turi Fiorito.
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