The EU opens to recreational boating in the new plan for sustainable transport

The European Boating Industry (EBI) welcomes the new Sustainable Investment Transport Strategy (SITS) published by the European Commission. For the first time, recreational boats are included in the European strategy dedicated to decarbonising transport—a historic step that acknowledges the sector’s role in the green transition.

The Plan follows a year of discussions between EBI and the European Commission on alternative fuels and infrastructure. Brussels confirms it is evaluating various low-emission solutions for recreational boats. It also highlights how the current fleet is renewing at a slow pace. With the use of drop-in renewable fuels, at least 90% of vessels could be gradually converted without mandatory targets.

Three key points for the boating sector

• First official recognition of the sector.
Recreational boating enters for the first time into a European plan on sustainable transport, with a focus on electric, hybrid, e-fuels, HVO, green methanol, and hydrogen.

• New funding and investments.
The Plan mobilizes €2.9 billion by 2027 and aims to generate over €100 billion in investments by 2035. These opportunities concern clean technologies and infrastructure in marinas.

• Support for green fuels and infrastructure.
The Commission will work on certifications, fuel traceability, and registration systems to help even smaller operators adopt sustainable solutions.

Philip Easthill, EBI’s Secretary General, highlights that for the first time “recreational navigation is part of the EU’s waterborne decarbonization strategy.” A clear signal expected to influence future European industrial policies.

EBI will continue working with the European Commission and Member States to fully leverage initiatives linked to the SITS Plan and the upcoming European strategies on the Maritime Industry and Sustainable Tourism, scheduled for 2026. The goals: promoting clean technologies, developing more sustainable marinas, and strengthening Europe’s role in innovation.

Focus on startups and investments for 2026

Yachting Ventures and EBI are preparing a new edition of the Startup x Investor Day, scheduled for 2026. The event aims to boost investments, innovative ideas, and new collaborations in the recreational boating and nautical tourism sectors.

A rapidly growing industry: nautical tourism generates €28 billion per year, includes over 32,000 companies, and employs 280,000 people. “Supporting nautical tourism means supporting European manufacturing and jobs along our coasts and waterways,” concludes Easthill.

Source:

ilnautilus.it