The EU Commission has published its Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, which explicitly includes recreational craft in the EU’s transport investment framework. The Plan recognises the sector’s specific decarbonisation challenge linked to the slow renewal rate of the fleet and notes that, in the absence of mandatory targets, renewable drop-in fuels could play a major role in reducing emissions over time.

The STIP states “Similarly to the maritime sector, a broad set of possible alternatives to fossil fuels are being considered for […] for recreational craft.” It adds that “[…] recreational craft experience a low pace of penetration of new vessels […]. With no mandatory targets in place, at least 90% of vessels (…] may progressively be replaced by renewable drop-in fuels.”

The Plan sets out a technology-neutral approach for waterborne transport, indicating that a broad range of alternatives to fossil fuels are being considered for recreational craft. It references the potential role of different renewable fuel options alongside electrification and hybrid solutions, and highlights the importance of supporting the transition of existing vessels as well as new technologies.

The Plan also outlines investment opportunities linked to sustainable fuels, clean propulsion and supporting infrastructure, including in marinas. It indicates that the EU will explore options such as certification schemes, fuel traceability and book-and-claim approaches, with the aim of enabling uptake across different vessel types and operators.

EBI welcomed the inclusion of recreational craft in the Plan and will continue engaging on follow-up work with the EU Commission and Member States, including in the context of the upcoming Industrial Maritime Strategy and Sustainable Tourism Strategy expected in 2026.