EU sustainable transport plan includes recreational boating for first time
The European Commission’s Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP), released yesterday (5 November 2025), has become the first EU transport strategy to explicitly include recreational craft.
The European Boating Industry (EBI) has welcomed the plan, which outlines a technology-neutral pathway for decarbonisation in the sector and recognises recreational boating as part of Europe’s wider green transition. The inclusion follows EBI’s engagement with the European Commission over the past year on alternative fuels and infrastructure.
The STIP notes that a range of fuel alternatives to fossil fuels are being considered for recreational craft and highlights the slow pace of fleet renewal. It indicates that, in the absence of mandatory targets, up to 90 per cent of vessels could progressively transition to renewable drop-in fuels.
Key points for the boating industry include the first formal recognition of recreational craft within the EU’s transport plan, the availability of new funding and investment opportunities, and targeted support for sustainable fuels and marina infrastructure. The plan allocates €2.9bn in EU support by 2027. It aims to attract over €100bn in total investment by 2035, creating openings for projects in sustainable fuels, electrification, hybrid technologies and marina facilities. It also outlines plans for certification schemes, fuel traceability, and book-and-claim systems to encourage the adoption of renewable fuels by smaller operators.
“For the first time, recreational boating is part of the EU’s waterborne decarbonisation strategy,” says Philip Easthill, secretary-general of EBI (pictured left).
“It shows that our sector is being heard and recognised as a relevant contributor to Europe’s green transition with a technology-neutral decarbonisation pathway and necessary focus on the existing fleet and sustainable fuels.”
“This recognition puts the recreational boating sector firmly on the map of support by the EU in the years ahead. It sends a clear signal that sustainability in fuels and propulsion systems, as well as infrastructure in marinas, is a key part of Europe’s industrial strategies.”
EBI represents Europe’s recreational boating industry, encompassing boatbuilding, equipment manufacturing, marinas and service providers. The sector includes around 32,000 companies, mostly SMEs, and employs more than 280,000 people across Europe.
EBI says it will continue working with the European Commission and member states to ensure the boating sector benefits from future initiatives arising from the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, the forthcoming EU Industrial Maritime Strategy and the Sustainable Tourism Strategy, both expected in 2026.
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