ESPO, the TRAN Commission of the EU Parliament noted the impact that the inclusion of shipping in the ETS can have on ports

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Yesterday, the European Parliament's Transport and Tourism Commission (TRAN) adopted the draft opinion of Bulgarian MEP Andrey Novakov of the Christian Democratic Party on the proposal for a directive from the European Commission establishing a system for the exchange of greenhouse gas emission allowances in the EU that plans to include the maritime sector in the ETS system of emission trading. The extension of the ETS system to the proposed maritime sector plans to cover 100% of the CO2 emissions produced on intra-EU maritime routes, that is, emissions from ships that carry out tracts from a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State and arriving in a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State and of the emissions of vessels berthed in an EU port, as well as 50% of the emissions from the extra-EU routes, i.e. emissions from ships making tracts to destination of a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State departing from a port that is not under the jurisdiction of a Member State and of the emissions of vessels carrying out routes from a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State and arriving in a port outside the jurisdiction of a Member State.

By supporting the inclusion of the maritime sector in the ETS, the Novakov Rapporteur expressed, however, the belief " that the cross-border dimension of maritime transport requires a more coordinated approach and greater efforts towards a tool based on the global market through the partnership with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) ". According to the rapporteur, " the equal treatment of intra-EU and extra-EU maritime routes is key to ensuring the competitiveness of the EU maritime sector. The coverage of half of the emissions from both inbound and outbound routes between the Union and third countries and half of the emissions for intra-EU routes-Novakov noted-guarantees a level playing field for the EU's maritime sector limiting at the same time the risk of "evasive" type scents and the risk of relocation of transhipment activities outside the Union. "

In addition, the rapporteur proposes to extend the phased introduction period of the ETS for the maritime sector from 20% of verified emissions for 2026 to 100% for 2029 in order to mitigate the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuring the full recovery of the sector, providing the sufficient time to adapt and develop the necessary alternative technologies. Finally, Novakov believes "that adequate financial support is essential to facilitate the decarbonisation of the sector." Therefore, in addition to funds for innovation and modernization, it proposes the creation of a dedicated fund, namely a fund for the maritime transition, with the aim of accelerating projects supporting innovative technologies and diffusion of sustainable alternative fuels, as well as the development of adequate port infrastructure. Novakov highlighted the importance "that the resources of such a fund are truly additional and not generated through the reallocation of resources to the detriment of other existing EU policies, programs or funds."

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) has welcomed the adoption of the draft opinion by the European Parliament's committee, as-it specified the association of European ports-there is clear recognition from the European Parliament. TRAN Commission of the risks of relocating carbon emissions and activities that will arise if ships will be able in various ways to avoid the EU's regional ETS. "European ports are in favour of the inclusion of shipping in the EU ETS, but they fear that the Commission's current proposal will lead to a major relocation of carbon emissions," the association said. through the redirection of ships outside the scope of the ETS, creating negative effects on emission reduction and a negative impact on European port activities. " According to ESPO, " the risk of elusive practices by ships needs to be assessed and addressed better, in order to develop effective solutions that prevent carbon and activity relocation. Therefore, European ports welcome the efforts made in the opinion adopted by TRAN to find solutions to the threat of carbon and activity relocation. "

"This redirection is a real risk and must be avoided," said Isabelle Ryckbost, secretary-general of ESPO. In addition to the relocation of carbon emissions that such redirecting will entail, it could inflict a deadly blow on some strategic European ports at a time when these ports are needed more than ever. It is very reassuring that the Commission for Transport understands this problem and trying to find a solution we hope that the position of the TRAN Commission will be taken into account by the Commission for the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) ".