87% of long-haul vessels were unprofitable for 2022 energy prices, and neither 40% of onshore vessels nor 66% of offshore vessels were unprofitable. Without the financial support given by Member States to their own fleets, the decline in fishing activity would have been much more severe than it had been, mainly due to a conflict and an inflationary context with very distant precedents. ukraine war This was evidence of Europe’s dependence on Russian oil. In this context, Twenty-seven’s strategy for the energy transition of the fishing and aquaculture sector, published by the European Commission (EC) on February 21, came into play. And with him exploratory view on decarbonisation of the fishing fleet Requested by the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU). The outline of the first draft developed by FARO this Sunday lies in asking Brussels to step up. development of biofuels and the industry has “priority access” for this advanced biodiesel. All this with a “commitment to have a neutral carbon footprint by 2050” Addressing “a fleet renewal plan” is also “important” this allows to complete the “sustainable fishing process with modern vessels”.
“21st century boats are needed to be able to fish in the 21st century”, It has been requested more than once by Luis Planas, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and the statement is part of the philosophy of the working paper presented at the first meeting of the European Union working group last week. European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). As a general rule, alternative propulsion systems to us, “more space on board”, In other words, the green future of the seas can only be possible by building larger ships.
Faced with a fleet that has accumulated over 30 years of age measures, preventing shipowner companies from considering any possible investment, important to the industry “Creating a specific fund” for modernization and renewal, something he wishes to delegate to the Community Manager to take into account when formulating his maritime policy. in writing –can be changed in the next few weeks–, is emphasized “EU’s Horizon Europe program has no specific call for fishing” and there are “strong financial constraints” under the new European Maritime, Fisheries and Fisheries Fund (Fempa): “It only provides subsidies at low rates for investments in fleets and subsidies are conditioned by the size of the ships.”
In this line, calls to reformulate the “under-definition of fishing capacity” in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP); this “not only makes it difficult to modernize the fleet to install new technologies in general, but also makes social and safety improvements more difficult.” As remembered Unlike the shipping industry, the fishing industry has to endure capacity constraints in the EU in terms of area (gross tonnage). This makes it even more difficult for ships to install new decarbonisation technologies, especially on vessels dedicated to artisanal fishing.
“The area on board used for galley, cabins, toilets or rest areas and which has nothing to do with fish catching or storage capacity is currently calculated for fishing capacity”, He clarified from the industry, showing that the CFP was “clearly inconsistent” with the requirements set in social legislation – for example, ILO Convention C188 on work in fisheries – and that the energy transition strategy should be proposed accordingly. “review of capacity measures to allow the introduction of new technologies and modernization of the fleet”.
As an offer, The working paper includes possible new measures ranging from net tonnage to: formulas such as those used in Scandinavian countries such as Norway or Iceland, workers’ rest and rest areas are excluded from the calculation and work according to factors such as the allocated quota or the size of the ship. in her eyes, The review will encourage the inclusion of necessary liveability improvements in the fishing sector. Both to make it attractive and attract a young workforce, while also addressing the gender gap and making it easier for women to be included in many positions.
Consider the 1990 “effort” setting as the reference year to reduce emissions
Considering the possibility of setting 2005 or 2008 as the reference year for reducing emissions, carbon dioxide (CO2) In terms of the fishing sector, the first draft of the opinion advocates that the European fleet is working well and moving towards being climate neutral, so The EU should apply 1990 as the reference year for these emissions.
Prominent among the arguments put forward, Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping have increased globally, fishing vessels, which are part of the community bloc, have shrunk in half, thanks to improved energy efficiency and a reduction in fleet size.
Despite EU enlargements, The number of ships belonging to Member States has fallen by almost 30% in the last 25 years. Compared to 1996, when there were a total of 103,834 ships, there were 73,716 ships in 2020. They represent about 30,000 fewer than before, of which only 56,111 remained “active” throughout the year. coronavirus pandemic.