The European Commission has revealed a new platform designed to improve access to financing for the shipping sector and the wider maritime industry.
The Ship Financing Portal, launched by the EC’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, is said to provide businesses with the financial tools needed to drive fleet renewal and retrofitting, enhance efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.
“The launch of the portal is a further step in supporting the greening of the maritime industry. The portal addresses the lack of available information on financing opportunities,” the EC said in a note.
Some of the features of the portal include simplifying the search for suitable financing opportunities for stakeholders across the maritime sector.
In addition, it will provide up-to-date details on available grants, loans and other financing products administered by the European Union, member states and private financial institutions.
“This ensures that users are informed about the latest financing opportunities,” it added.
The portal also lists financing products relevant to the shipping sector, to facilitate the development and deployment of technologies and services to promote shipping decarbonisation.
“This aligns with the EU’s commitment to steer the maritime sector towards a green transition,” the EC outlined.
Spearheaded by EC president Ursula von der Leyen, the European Green Deal intends to make all 27 member states committed to turning the EU into the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
The goal is to reduce emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
