European Boating Industry (EBI) has published a roadmap titled Energy Transition for Recreational Boating in Europe: A roadmap for alternative fuel infrastructure, setting out industry and policy recommendations relating to the decarbonisation of recreational boating and the development of marina infrastructure across Europe.
The document highlights the need for a technology-neutral and multi-pathway approach to the energy transition, recognising the diversity of Europe’s recreational boating fleet of more than 6.5 million vessels and the operational realities of marinas across coastal and inland waters.
According to EBI, recreational boating accounts for approximately 0.4 per cent of EU transport greenhouse gas emissions. The roadmap examines how the sector is preparing for a transition towards alternative propulsion technologies while contributing to wider European climate objectives.
Marinas are identified as a key component of that transition. The roadmap calls for cooperation between industry, marina operators, EU institutions, national governments and regional stakeholders to ensure infrastructure development keeps pace with changes in propulsion technology.
Philip Easthill, secretary-general of European Boating Industry, says: “The recreational boating sector is committed to contributing to Europe’s energy transition. Our roadmap shows that the solutions are being developed and a multi-pathway approach is the way forward. Europe’s diverse boating ecosystem requires a pragmatic and technology-neutral approach supported by the right infrastructure, investment, and regulatory framework.
“We look forward to presenting the Roadmap to the EU institutions and cooperating with all players to make progress in the coming years to support sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.”
The roadmap identifies sustainable drop-in fuels, including Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), as an option that can be used in most existing diesel engines without major modifications or additional infrastructure.
According to EBI, HVO can reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent compared with fossil diesel, while also lowering particulate and NOx emissions.
Electric and hybrid propulsion systems are also highlighted, particularly for smaller vessels and inland waterways. Hydrogen and methanol are being explored as potential future options for larger boats.
Infrastructure considerations
The roadmap references the objectives of the EU Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) and the Industrial Maritime Strategy, both of which recognise recreational boating and marina infrastructure within the wider European transport and maritime policy framework.
EBI calls for targeted support measures, investment mechanisms and innovation funding to assist marinas and recreational boating businesses in meeting decarbonisation objectives while maintaining competitiveness.
The publication also highlights the economic constraints faced by Europe’s estimated 10,000-20,000 marinas. Many are small and medium-sized enterprises or municipally operated facilities with limited capacity to undertake major infrastructure projects.
European Boating Industry represents the recreational boating sector in Europe, including boatbuilders, equipment manufacturers, marinas and service providers. The industry comprises approximately 32,000 companies, most of them SMEs, and directly employs more than 280,000 people.
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