The maritime industry is in a bit of a pickle, and the Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII) isn’t mincing words about it. They’ve just dropped an open letter to the EU, calling for clear regulations and a cash injection into methane-cutting technologies. The stakes are high, and MAMII is making it clear that Europe could either lead the pack in clean shipping or get left in the dust.
The EU’s Clean Industrial Deal, set to launch in 2025, is a strategic initiative aimed at boosting the competitiveness of EU industries while keeping an eye on environmental sustainability. But MAMII is warning that without immediate action, Europe could fall behind in developing bio-methane and e-methane – two cleaner alternatives that could leverage existing ship engines and port infrastructure. These alternatives are crucial because, while LNG is seen as an important pathway in shipping’s decarbonisation drive, unregulated methane emissions threaten to undermine its climate benefits.
MAMII’s call to action is crystal clear: the EU needs to set rules that drive methane reductions through both carrots and sticks. “The EU should set rules that drive methane reductions through both incentives and penalties,” MAMII argues. “Incentives should support investment in low-methane engines and proven mitigation technologies, accounting for differences in machinery efficiency.” Panos Mitrou, Chair of MAMII, emphasizes that “Not all methane is equal – its carbon footprint depends on its source. Suppliers that cut, measure, and report emissions should be rewarded, with regulators adjusting default values to reflect real improvements.”
But it’s not just about regulations. MAMII is also pushing for investment in methane abatement and measurement technology. “Europe can lead in methane abatement and measurement technology, benefiting both industry and climate goals,” the letter states. “EU funding should focus on scaling and commercializing these solutions.” The initiative is backed by more than 20 leading shipping and energy companies as anchor partners and a tech ecosystem of over 100 firms, with over half based in the EU.
The Clean Maritime Fuels Platform has also weighed in, urging the European Commission to include renewable and low-carbon fuels and innovative technologies needed by shipping in the scope of the upcoming Clean Industrial Deal. The platform highlights that shipping is one of the most difficult-to-decarbonise sectors of the economy, making the need for clear regulations and investment even more pressing.
This news could shape future developments in the sector in several ways. Firstly, it could accelerate the adoption of bio-methane and e-methane, positioning Europe as a global leader in clean shipping. Secondly, it could spur innovation in methane abatement and measurement technologies, creating new jobs and economic growth. Lastly, it could set a global standard for methane regulation, influencing how the rest of the world approaches this critical issue. But if Europe drags its feet, it risks falling behind as others set the standards and reap the benefits. The ball is in the EU’s court, and the maritime industry is watching closely.
