A coalition of 55 co-signatories has called on the European Commission to revise proposed changes to the EU’s sustainability certification framework, warning the measures could disrupt the established liquefaction-by-equivalence system used to supply bioLNG and eLNG through existing LNG infrastructure. However, the renewable fuels offer an immediately available low-carbon solution for LNG-powered vessels by leveraging existing engines, terminals and bunkering networks while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Liquefaction is a necessary step of the bioLNG/eLNG supply chain and can be carried out either relying on physical liquefaction with a dedicated installation, or by equivalence through the matching of biomethane/e-methane injected to the grid with LNG available at terminal level.
Liquefaction by equivalence is one of the most effective ways to connect biomethane production with maritime demand at the scale it requires, the organizations explain.
Industry warns of higher costs and reduced investment
The signatories warn that the proposed revision to the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/996 would allocate fossil LNG supply chain emissions to bioLNG and eLNG delivered through the mass balance system, even though those emissions are not part of the renewable fuel supply chains.
They argue this would misrepresent the actual climate performance of bioLNG and eLNG, making liquefaction by equivalence commercially unviable, reducing renewable fuel availability, increasing compliance costs for ship operators, and discouraging investment in biomethane and e-methane production across Europe.
Coalition calls for emissions accounting based on actual supply chains
The coalition is calling on the Commission to ensure emissions allocated to bioLNG and eLNG supplied through liquefaction by equivalence reflect only the greenhouse gas impact of the underlying biomethane and e-methane supply chains.
They argue this would preserve a proven, scalable pathway for renewable marine fuels while supporting Europe’s shipping decarbonization goals and maintaining robust sustainability standards.
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