EC supports Finnish investment scheme

The European Commission first authorised the scheme in 2011 and, in 2012, adopted a new Sulphur Directive. The amendments notified by the Finnish authorities aim at changing the existing scheme to meet the more stringent rules on sulphur limits in marine fuel that will apply in the Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA) which includes the English Channel, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.

The Commission found the amendments to be in line with EU state and rules. The alterations of the scheme aim to give shipowners incentives to use less polluting fuel, ahead of the entry into force of EU standards, that are due to come into force on 1 January 2015.

Joaquín Almunia, vice president, European Commission, said: “This Finnish scheme demonstrates how the current state aid rules can be used for encouraging the maritime industry to adapt to stricter environmental rules ahead of their entry into force.”

Changes made to the scheme include the allowance that, under certain conditions, owners can finance the acquisition of new ships provided that they operate under stricter environmental rules than currently in place in the EU. The aid provides an incentive that the Commission says is necessary to reduce the use of polluting fuel in ships.