Last week, Mallorca hosted the Clean Energy for EU Islands Forum 2026 — three days of intensive work sessions, site visits and panel discussions organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy, under the motto “Resilient islands, resilient Europe.” We attended as participants. Not as speakers or exhibitors, but as practitioners in marine electrification — there to listen, learn and understand how the European Commission is shaping the decarbonisation agenda for Mediterranean islands.
30 islands, 30 approaches, one direction
The forum brought together representatives from 30 islands across the EU — the so-called 30for2030 islands, each committed to full decarbonisation by the end of this decade. What struck us most was not the ambition. It was the variety of approaches and the quality of the solutions already deployed. Samsø in Denmark has an electric ferry in regular operation. Islands in Greece and Portugal are rethinking their entire energy infrastructure from the grid up. Communities in Estonia and the Azores are finding ways to involve local citizens as active participants in the transition, not just as consumers.
Each island is different. Each solution is specific. But the direction is the same everywhere.
Ports as energy hubs
One of the most relevant sessions for us was the capacity-building workshop on sustainable marine transport and the role of ports in decarbonising island energy systems, held the Friday after the main forum.
The core argument was one we recognise from our own work: ports are not just infrastructure. They are energy hubs — the interface between the island’s power grid and the maritime sector, and in many cases the biggest single source of noise, emissions and fuel consumption on the island.
Electrifying port operations, service vessels, auxiliary fleets, and shore power connections for visiting boats is not only an environmental choice. It is a strategic energy decision that affects the entire island system. Hearing this framing articulated at European Commission level validated what we have been arguing to marinas, yacht clubs and port operators in the Balearic Islands— and what underpins our silent propulsion work.
Governance: the real challenge
The forum’s central theme was governance: how to align national governments, regional authorities, local communities, technical experts and private operators around a shared decarbonisation agenda. Every island delegation — from the Greek Aegean to the Canary Islands, from Gotland to Malta — told the same story: the technology exists, the funding often exists, but coordination is where progress stalls. The new Balearic Ports Law approved in May 2026 creates direct legal and economic incentives for port concession holders to invest in energy efficiency and sustainability — exactly the kind of governance instrument the forum was discussing.
What we bring back
Attending an event like this is a reminder of the scale of the transition we are part of. The work we do on vessels — converting a sailing boat to electric propulsion, integrating lithium battery systems on a catamaran, designing energy management solutions for working craft — is one piece of a very large picture. But small pieces matter. In our latest sailing conversion, S/Y Galaxie, we reduced CO₂ emissions by 14 tonnes annually and eliminated 5,000 litres of diesel — documented, real-world proof that the technology works and that the investment pays off. You can also read about the lithium retrofit of S/Y Acaia for another example of what this looks like in practice. We came back with new contacts, new ideas and a clearer view of where the policy wind is blowing. The direction is unambiguous. And at Phoenix One, we are ready to take on new vessel electrification projects — from the first conversation to a fully operational electric or hybrid boat.
About Phoenix One
Phoenix One is a company specialized in compact and high-efficiency marine electric propulsion systems for commercial vessels and yachts.
The company develops fully customized solutions, optimizing space, performance and integration for vessels above 14 meters.
FAQ
What makes a marine propulsion system efficient?
→ Efficiency depends on energy consumption, system integration and space optimization.
Why is compact propulsion important?
→ Space is a critical constraint in vessels, making compact systems more valuable.
Are electric propulsion systems suitable for commercial vessels?
→ Yes, especially for passenger transport, catamarans and professional applications.