A lack of regulatory certainty is preventing most projects from moving beyond just the planning stage
80 Green hydrogen and e-fuels projects across Europe that could be used in the maritime sector
Spain, Denmark, Norway and France are leading when it comes to producing green e-fuels that can be used for shipping, a new T&E analysis shows. But a lack of regulatory certainty is preventing most projects from moving beyond the planning stage. The EU should introduce more ambitious green fuel requirements for the shipping sector to ensure projects get off the ground, says T&E, which would deliver jobs and improve Europe’s energy security.
The 2025 update of T&E’s shipping e-fuels observatory found up to 80 green hydrogen and e-fuels projects that could be used to power ships, representing more than 3.6 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) by 2032. But T&E found that just 5% of those volumes are clearly dedicated to the maritime sector, while only a small proportion of projects have reached a final investment decision (FID) stage or become operational, suggesting a lack of regulatory certainty is preventing projects from moving forward.
Some countries are positioning themselves as potential marine e-fuel suppliers. Norway has the largest quantities of fuels dedicated primarily to the maritime sector followed by Spain, Finland and Denmark. The Kassø project by European Energy which supplies e-methanol to Maersk went on line in 2025 and is the first marine e-fuel project and biggest of its kind in Europe. (....)