The view of the Marine Environment Protection meeting Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which will be held from 14 to 17 October in London, the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) urged IMO Member States to formally adopt the Net-Zero Framework, the draft regulation for the decarbonisation of shipping, which is was approved by the MEPC last April ( of the 11th April 2025).

In addition, the European Ports Association has called on the European Commission to ensure that the current EU rules in including the FuelEU Maritime Regulation and the Emissions Trading System (ETS), are fully aligned with the new alignment that - ESPO highlighted - is essential to avoid double payments, reduce burdens market distortions and loss of business that - the association underlined - are already undermining the competitiveness of European ports.

"Combining decarbonisation and competitiveness - noted Isabelle Ryckbost, Secretary-General of ESPO - the priority of this Commission. The adoption of Net-Zero framework and the subsequent immediate action of the Commission for maximum alignment of the EU ETS for the sector maritime transport sector would give a strong signal to the EU port sector that the Commission acts on its promises. The ports - added Ryckbost - are the strongholds of the future resilient Europe, but can play their role in the role only if they remain competitive".