European Commission Approves Finland Ship Fuel Initiative

The European Commission has found amendments to an existing Finnish scheme supporting investment in cleaners ships comply with the European Union’s state aid rules.

The amendments aim to give shipowners incentives to use less polluting fuel, ahead of the implementation of similar EU standards.

“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,” said Joaquin Almunia, the commission’s vice president in charge of competition policy.