NWWAC tells EU to scrap outdated vessel limits and deliver regulatory stability, funding and innovation for fishing industry energy transition
NWWAC Urges EU to Remove Barriers to Fleet Modernisation and Support Energy Transition
The North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) has called on the European Commission to overhaul outdated fishing regulations and ensure long-term policy stability to enable a realistic and fair energy transition for the EU’s fishing sector.
In a detailed submission to Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, the NWWAC reiterated its key recommendations to the Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) and expressed concern that several of its proposals have not been fully reflected in the EU’s current energy transition roadmap for fisheries and aquaculture.
Calls for Regulatory Clarity and Policy Stability
The Council warned that uncertainty over future policy and investment frameworks threatens to stall progress in fleet modernisation and decarbonisation. “Significant investments in new technologies and fleet renewal require a predictable, transparent, and long-term policy framework,” the NWWAC said, stressing that early adopters of low-carbon solutions must be protected by consistent regulation and clear direction.
Revising Capacity Limits and the CFP
Among its most urgent demands, the NWWAC called for revision of vessel tonnage and power capacity limits under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). It said the current rules were “poorly suited” to the energy transition challenge, since the installation of hybrid engines, hydrogen systems, or methanol tanks requires additional space. These limits, it warned, are “blocking meaningful adaptation” and “penalising those who aim to modernise and decarbonise”.
The group also urged greater flexibility in CFP governance to accommodate innovation, coherence with broader EU climate and energy frameworks such as FuelEU Maritime, and stronger involvement of fishing stakeholders in policy decisions.
Support for Innovation and Artificial Intelligence
The NWWAC highlighted the need for targeted funding to drive innovation in vessel and gear design that reduces seabed impact and fuel use. It also advocated for greater adoption of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and safety at sea, while emphasising that AI must complement, not replace, human expertise.
Cold Chain Efficiency and Fair Competition
The submission pointed to the need for investment in energy-efficient refrigeration systems and cold chain logistics, arguing that many older vessels cannot accommodate new technologies without financial assistance. It also called for imported seafood products to meet the same energy transition and environmental standards as EU-caught fish, to prevent unfair competition.
Building Trust and Collaboration
In closing, NWWAC Chair Alexandra Philippe underlined that “trust, transparency, and inclusive engagement” between policymakers, industry, and scientists are essential to deliver a fair and effective energy transition. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to work with the Commission and the Energy Transition Partnership to complete this “critical and transformative” process for the sector.
