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Members of the CLECAT Maritime Logistics Institute met today to discuss the latest developments in maritime freight transport, focusing on the implementation of ICS2 Release 3 for maritime transport, ETS Maritime, and the upcoming EU Ports Strategy.

Members exchanged views on the industry’s preparation for ICS2 Release 3 for maritime transport. With the deployment window for house-level filers closing on 1^st April 2025, members exchanged on the latest developments, potential challenges and issues related to the implementation of ICS2, especially in relation with Ro-Ro traffic. CLECAT continues to collaborate with the European Commission and other actors in the maritime supply chain to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.

Members also received an update on the upcoming European Ports Strategy, which aims to identify challenges faced by EU ports and their related stakeholders and to propose possible solutions to enhance their competitiveness and resilience, support the energy and digital transition as well as simplify administrative burden for permitting and infrastructure investments. Members acknowledged the joint statement signed by CLECAT reflecting the sector’s priorities to strengthen the EU’s maritime sector.

Lastly, members were updated on the latest developments regarding maritime transport decarbonisation, including the EC report monitoring of the risk of ship evasion from ETS, and the negotiations at IMO for global mid-term decarbonisation measures. Members appreciated that the Commission acknowledged ETS compliance costs were being passed on to users of shipping services, with surcharges exceeding actual ETS costs. Members noted that a global solution is essential to support real emissions reductions, maintain a level playing field, and ensure that the transition to zero-carbon shipping is effective, fair, and future-proof.