The European Commission approved in May the state aid scheme proposed by Italy, worth €570 million, to incentivize ships to use electricity supplied by shore-based grids when docked in seaports. This measure is part of the European Green Deal initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air and noise pollution.
The scheme, notified by Italy to the Commission, provides financial incentives for ship operators to connect to shore power infrastructure during their stay in ports. This initiative will be valid until December 31, 2033, and aims to cover up to 100% of the so-called "general system charges" included in the electricity price, making shore-based electricity competitive with electricity produced onboard using fossil fuel-powered engines.
The initiative will result in a significant reduction in the electricity cost for ship operators, promoting a more environmentally sustainable choice. Italy has planned an annual control mechanism to verify the difference between the actual costs of shore-based electricity and that produced onboard with fossil fuels, adjusting the level of aid accordingly.