Inland shipping operators will be able to purchase clean fuel all over Europe by 2011. The political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council is part of EU efforts to green the economy. This is a major breakthrough, as inland shipping will no longer be associated with the legislation in the marine sector which uses more environmentally unfriendly fuels.

“We welcome the move, but regret that the introduction will only be compulsory in 2011. We would have wished for an immediate switch from marine fuel to clean fuel, as technology is ready for it. But we hope that today’s decision will encourage fuel companies to immediately start making sulphur-low gasoil available Europe wide” said Karin De Schepper, Secretary General of Inland Navigation Europe (INE).

As barge transport is eager to maintain its already green image, clean fuel will give a new boost to eco-innovation in the sector as:
   Inland waterway transport is already the most environmentally friendly, with the lowest CO2 emissions. Clean fuel will enable a smooth switch to new-generation, energy-efficient engines which will save even  more CO2, an important contribution to the fight against climate change;
   Cleaner fuel will allow the installation of emission reduction devices cutting harmful NOx and PM emissions by 85-95%, further reducing the impact of inland navigation vehicles on air quality.

Today, an increasing number of European cities suffer because of congestion, noise, accidents and pollution. Many of those cities and towns are crossed by waterways. This decision will make sure clean ships help to keep goods flowing and safeguard the human health of populations in port and residential areas.

≡ Clean fuel improves air quality and reduces greenhouse gases
≡ Inland shipping and the environment
≡ Cities re-discover waterways