The Port Administration of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (APRAM) has contributed to securing a European exemption regarding the energy use of cruise ships. This measure, officialized in June with retroactive effect from January 1, 2023, and valid until the end of 2029, exempts voyages between Madeira and other EU outermost regions from the FuelEU Maritime Regulation obligations.
APRAM's board chairperson, Paula Cabaço, highlighted the technical and institutional work that demonstrated the need for a differentiated approach for outermost regions, ensuring the energy transition does not harm port competitiveness or maritime connections. This exemption, along with the specific EU ETS regime, aims to reduce costs for shipping companies.
The benefits extend to the Azores and strengthen Madeira's position as a cruise destination. Similar exemptions were published for regular passenger transport between Madeira and Porto Santo, and for inter-island connections in the Azores, paving the way for potential new links between Madeira and the Azores.
