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In the context of the ongoing discussions on the “Fit for 55” Package, CLECAT was invited to participate to the EPP exchange of views on the EU maritime transport and the EU maritime shipping industry, organized by MEP Marian Jean Marinescu, the Transport Coordinator from the EPP Group in the European Parliament.

During the exchange of views which took place on 16 November, the speakers discussed a wide range of topics, among which the evolution of emission reductions, the alternative fuels for maritime shipping which will be used in the future, and the potential raise in costs and prices and their effect on jobs and consumer accessibility.

CLECAT stressed the importance of the proper enforcement of the proposed initiatives, as well as sufficient incentives to invest in more sustainable technologies. The inclusion of maritime transport into the EU ETS is welcomed, as it finally applies the polluter-pays principle to the shipping industry. CLECAT is of the view that market-based measures give flexibility to operators to reduce their emissions. The scope chosen by the European Commission is an interesting approach, as it gives incentives to other regions to implement similar measures and could drive global actions at IMO level. CLECAT emphasised to participants that the revenues generated by the auctioning of allowances should be reinvested in the development of cleaner technologies, notably by a dedicated envelope in the Innovation Fund.

CLECAT also supported points made by port and terminal stakeholders on the risk of cargo diversion linked to the application of the EU ETS. Such a development could seriously jeopardize the position of European transhipment ports, further exacerbating the re-routing risk caused by Brexit.

CLECAT welcomed the technology neutral approach of the FuelEU Maritime proposal, in order to reduce carbon intensity of ships and increase the uptake of sustainable maritime fuels. The scope of the proposal should remain consistent with the EU ETS, for enforceability reasons. CLECAT believes that the obligation of compliance must be kept on shipping companies, instead of fuel suppliers, the former being in the best position to decarbonise ships’ emissions. The uptake of sustainable fuels and the deployment of onshore power supply in ports required by the AFIR proposal will need sufficient infrastructure investments which need to be supported by proper public and private funding.