Industry Leaders urge EU to back Zero-Emission ships and planes in STIP

A coalition of ten leading companies and industry groups has written to European Commissioners and the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU, urging them to accelerate support for zero-emission shipping and aviation technologies under the forthcoming Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP).

The letter, coordinated by the SASHA Coalition, was signed by technology pioneers including Ecojet, ZeroAvia, ZULU Associates, MONTE, Hybrid Air Vehicles, LH2 Shipping, Condor, Beyond Aero, and the Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs), representing 65 maritime stakeholders leading the shift toward wind, fuel-cell, battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vessels.

The signatories argue that these solutions are among the most scalable and sustainable pathways for decarbonizing short- and medium-haul routes, while strengthening Europe’s industrial base and energy independence. 

However, they note that such innovations have received limited regulatory recognition compared with other technologies, slowing investment and infrastructure development.

Call for Strategic Recognition and Clear Market Signals

The coalition is calling for the STIP to prioritise zero-carbon aircraft and vessels as strategic technologies within the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal and to establish mandatory targets requiring a share of intra-EU voyages and flights to run on zero-emission systems by 2040.

Additional recommendations include:

• Dedicated Hydrogen Bank funding for aviation to secure renewable hydrogen supply and offtake agreements.

• Establishing regional testbeds with “green” public service routes to prove viability and improve connectivity.

• Strengthening the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) to mandate electric charging and hydrogen refuelling facilities at ports and airports.

“If we’re serious about economic growth and the environment, zero-emission flight and shipping must be a priority in the Clean Industrial Deal,” said Ecojet CEO Brent Smith. 

“With targeted regulatory support – i.e. clear certification pathways, enabling infrastructure, and bankable offtake – investors and industry will have a safe space to innovate and build at scale. The payoff: clean connectivity, stronger European energy security rooted in domestic production, and localised economic growth – skilled jobs, higher productivity, targeted investment.”

SASHA Coalition Director Aurelia Leeuw added that the STIP represents a “crucial opportunity to correct policy neglect” and ensure emerging climate technologies reach commercial scale.

source: carbon herald