On May 22, 2026, the European Commission published a proposal for a Council Implementing Decision authorising Germany to continue applying a reduced rate of taxation to electricity directly supplied to vessels at berth in ports.
The proposal aims to extend until 31 December 2029 the existing derogation allowing Germany to apply a reduced electricity tax rate to shore-side electricity supplied to commercial vessels. According to the Commission, the measure seeks to further encourage the use of shore-side electricity as a less polluting alternative to onboard electricity generation based on bunker fuels.
The Commission underlines that the use of shore-side electricity contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and noise in port areas while supporting broader EU climate and environmental objectives. The proposal also recalls the growing importance of shore-side electricity in the context of the EU regulatory framework on alternative fuels infrastructure and maritime decarbonisation.
According to the information provided by the German authorities, more than 400 fixed or mobile shore-side electricity facilities currently exist in German sea and inland ports, while additional installations are planned or under construction.
The initiative is particularly relevant for ports and terminal operators as investments linked to electrification and onshore power supply continue to accelerate across Europe. In this context, FEPORT continues to support measures contributing to the deployment of shore-side electricity while underlining the importance of ensuring adequate funding mechanisms, competitive electricity prices and sufficient grid capacity to support the transition.
