The Association of European Ports (ESPO) and the Federation of European Ports European private port terminal operators FEPORT have asked to Introduce in the compromise text of the revision of the Directive on the taxation of energy products, the obligation to introduce a EU level tax exemption for onshore power installations supply installed on port quays to allow ships at mooring to connect to the shore power grid and turn off on-board engines to reduce emissions.

ESPO and FEPORT expressed concern that the renewal of the directive does not promote the use of OPS systems which - have mentioned - are identified as one of the main priorities by the new European AFIR regulation which entered into force on 13 April and is aimed at promoting the use of alternative fuels in the transport sector. The regulation expects that by 2030, container and passenger ships of over 5,000 gross tons will have to connect to the OPS systems while mooring for at least two hours in the European ports and that the European ports that are part of the Core Network and Comprehensive of the TEN-T infrastructure network should be equipped with OPS systems capable of serving at least the 90% of ship stopovers.

ESPO and FEPORT have emphasized that this is the time to move from words to deeds by developing a policy that promotes the use of onshore power supply. The two organizations consider that the introduction of a specific tax exemption in the whole European Union is an essential cornerstone of this policy and that it is essential to encourage ships to use OPS as soon as it is made available in ports.

The European Sea Ports Organisation and the Federation of European Private Port Companies and Terminals recalled that the proposal revision of the Product Taxation Directive formulated by the European Commission in 2021 offers Member States the possibility of granting a tax exemption electricity supplied directly to the ships moored in ports and recalled that currently the Member States must apply to the EU Commission for authorisation to apply this exemption which, if granted, is valid for six years. ESPO and FEPORT noted that if the Commission's proposal European Union is a timid step in the right direction as it Eliminates the authorization procedure that must be triggered Member States, but not to turn this option into a a mandatory and permanent exemption at EU level is a missed opportunity to promote the use of the OPS.

In addition, ESPO and FEPORT have highlighted that the application of EU-wide tax exemption would ensure equality of conditions and would send shipping companies a signal making the use of OPS more competitive.