The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has responded to the European Commission’s call for evidence on EU rules governing alternative fuels infrastructure, urging policymakers to adopt a practical and flexible approach that reflects the operational realities of the offshore marine contracting sector.
Representing more than 800 companies worldwide – including around 400 based in Europe – IMCA highlighted the strategic importance of the marine contracting industry in supporting Europe’s energy transition and wider blue economy ambitions.
The response underlined the sector’s significant economic contribution, citing analysis by PA Consulting that estimates the European marine contracting industry delivered more than €45bn in direct gross value added (GVA), supported 220,000 direct full-time jobs, and contributed over €15bn in tax revenues in 2025.
IMCA Members are central to the delivery of Europe’s offshore renewable energy ambitions, particularly the EU target of more than 300GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050. Achieving this ambition will require around 30,000 new offshore wind turbines alongside extensive subsea infrastructure, all dependent on highly specialised offshore vessels.
In its submission, IMCA warned against adopting a “one-size-fits-all” approach to decarbonising offshore fleets.
Marine contracting vessels vary significantly in design, operational profile, and energy demand, with vessels often operating across 20–30 year lifecycles in highly specialised roles such as dynamic positioning, heavy lift operations, towing, and subsea engineering.
As a result, alternative fuels infrastructure policy must reflect the operational realities of offshore vessels and support a practical transition to lower carbon operations:
- Improved visibility of fuel availability across key offshore energy ports,
- Coordinated development of port infrastructure to avoid bottlenecks in major hubs such as the North Sea, Baltic and Iberian regions,
- Increased focus on offshore recharging solutions to support vessel electrification,
- Greater availability of alternative fuels at ports serving offshore energy operations,
- Expanded provision of onshore power and vessel charging, supported by alignment with national grid capacity planning.
To support the offshore energy transition, IMCA called for improved access to alternative fuels infrastructure at ports serving offshore energy sectors, alongside better coordination of port development strategies across key offshore energy hubs including the North Sea, Baltic, and Iberian Peninsula.
The association also highlighted the importance of greater shore power provision and offshore charging infrastructure to support vessel electrification, while ensuring that future port electricity demand is fully integrated into national grid planning.
On fuel availability, IMCA noted concerns that current LNG infrastructure targets under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation are not being fully delivered across all TEN-T core ports, limiting adoption opportunities for some operators.
While LNG and electrification may work for certain vessel types, the offshore marine contracting sector will require access to a broader mix of low-carbon fuels, including methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia.
Sophia Haywood, Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: “Recognising the unique needs of offshore marine contractors will be critical to achieving the EU’s long-term decarbonisation and energy security goals.
“This is why we are advocating for new investment mechanisms that accelerate fleet transition, incentivise fuel suppliers and infrastructure developers, and ensure future regulations remain practical, technology-neutral, and responsive to operational demand.”
