North Sea boost for green fuels

Danish Shipping, which represents the country’s maritime business, is hoping that negotiations with Germany will give the green light to the North Sea Energy Island, seen as an essential development to supply green electricity for the production of sustainable shipping fuels.

The new talks follow the breakdown of negotiations between Denmark and Belgium which is likely to lead to a delay of at least three years in the island project. But a statement from Danish Shipping says that negotiations with Germany look ‘promising’.

Danish Shipping has been a staunch advocate of the North Sea Energy Island. The organisation sees is as an important step in shipping’s journey towards climate neutrality by 2050. Since shipping accounts for about 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, the maritime industry has a responsibility to contribute to the green transition, the group believes.

Anne H. Steffensen, Danish Shipping CEO, declared: “We need all the green electricity we can get. The first green ships have long since been launched, and many more are on the way. But they need green fuels, and that requires large amounts of green electricity.

“Germany is an important partner for Denmark, both economically and politically, and we hope that the two countries can reach a good and sustainable agreement on the North Sea Energy Island,” she continued. “Germany is already involved in the Bornholm Energy Island, and hopefully, this will make the negotiations around the North Sea Energy Island easier. We urge the Government to do everything it can to ensure a swift and smooth process so that we can move forward with this important project for the green future.

We are ready to invest in green ships and green fuels, but we urgently need infrastructure and political will to support our vision. The North Sea Energy Island is an example of a project that can make a huge difference for both shipping and society as a whole. We hope it becomes a reality soon," Steffensen added.