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On 20 February, CLECAT participated in a session organised by European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) presenting the first results of the EU ETS Observatory. The Observatory, developed by Puertos del Estado together with sector experts, aims to monitor the impact of the inclusion of maritime transport in the EU ETS on port activity and connectivity across the Union.

Over recent years concerns have been raised about the potential extra-territorial effects of maritime ETS and the risk of carbon leakage through the diversion of traffic to neighbouring non-EU hubs. The first findings of the Observatory provide structured data to assess these developments.

By using the TEU-mile indicator, combining vessel capacity and sailing distance, the observatory assesses the strategic weight of deep-sea services and shifts in gateway positioning. The data suggests a redistribution of connectivity in Northern Europe, with UK ports gaining TEU-mile share since late 2023, while several Northern EU ports show flattening or declining trends. In the Eastern Mediterranean, a more structural shift is visible, with connectivity moving from certain EU hubs towards non-EU ports such as Port Said, supported by significant infrastructure investments in neighbouring countries. While total volumes have not collapsed, routing patterns and sequencing of port calls are evolving, with potential long-term implications for the competitiveness of EU ports.

During the discussion, DG CLIMA confirmed that maritime ETS will be reviewed in 2026 as part of the broader ETS Directive review. The Commission indicated that it will continue to monitor route reconfigurations and carbon leakage risks and welcomed the Observatory as a useful complement to its own assessment work.

For CLECAT two aspects deserve particular attention. First, clarity and transparency around surcharge structures and the way ETS-related costs are passed on in the supply chain are essential to ensure predictability for freight forwarders and their clients. Second, maintaining strong European connectivity and preventing a structural shift of traffic towards neighbouring non-EU hubs is critical to safeguarding both the resilience and long-term competitiveness of EU supply chains.