Philippe Tabarot: "Maritime decarbonization, a sovereignty issue for France"

On April 20, the Minister of Transport was in Var for a day marked by a double event with the reopening of the island of Bendor after five years of work and the christening of the electric vessel that will connect with the mainland. This visit was part of a policy of decarbonizing maritime transport in the Mediterranean, illustrating the collaboration between public and private actors. For the Minister of Transport, the decarbonization of transport, and more particularly of the maritime sector, is at the heart of concerns in France, and especially in the Mediterranean region: "We must try to act at the international level within the framework of the international world organization so that all countries play their part in this decarbonization of transport.

France, which has made commitments, notably through the UNOC summits held in Nice, must now respect them and lead by example. This effort must not be limited to the State, but must also include private companies."

EUROPEAN COMMITMENT The French State has committed, at the European level, to reaching "zero emissions" before 2050. According to Philippe Tabarot, this objective is a strong symbol: "The State has made commitments regarding decarbonization at the European level before 2050 to reach zero emissions. Progress is rapid, thanks to the joint efforts of shippers, shipowners, and the State supporting them.

Many sectors, often innovative and notably French, are investing heavily in this direction. There is also a cutting-edge European ecosystem that needs to be supported to promote its development, while respecting the environment and keeping international commitments."

Philippe Tabarot : « La décarbonation maritime, un enjeu de souveraineté pour la France »

Electrification is a major axis of this decarbonization strategy. A call for projects was launched, mobilizing €60 million for what are called "ETS" (Electric Transport Systems). These State funds aim to finance private projects contributing to the decarbonization of maritime transport.

The wind propulsion sector is particularly cited as an example of innovation in this field. The minister recalled the achievements already made and those to come: "We did it in the port of Marseille, we did it with President Muselier, with the President of the Department in the port of Toulon, we are going to do it in the port of Nice." Indeed, the Region has strongly supported this electrification approach, implementing it gradually but surely.

Beyond the environmental imperative, the decarbonization of maritime transport is perceived as an economic and national sovereignty issue. "Today we have an issue which is of course environmental but which has become an economic issue in relation to the crisis we are experiencing and a sovereignty issue. Who does not want to be sovereign?

Who does not wish not to be dependent on fossil fuels, on fossil fuels from countries that are very often not our allies? So the question of independence is a real issue," concluded Philippe Tabarot.