Fit for 55 Package – paving the way for CO2 reductions in freight transport and logistics
Over the last couple of months, the European Freight Forwarders Association (CLECAT) has reflected on the various initiatives set out in the European Commission’s Fit for 55 Package. The package is meant to pave the way to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990, accelerating the EU’s plan to fully decarbonise by 2050.
CLECAT welcomes the Package as an opportunity for a swift transition to zero emission mobility. CLECAT has now issued a position paper providing a comprehensive overview of the views of European freight forwarders and logistics service providers on the proposals and how they can be improved in support of the emission reduction goals of their shipper customers and different modes of transport.
It follows and summarises the three CLECAT positions on the Fit for 55 proposals published earlier:
The CLECAT position paper on the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation calls, inter alia, for national fleet-based targets for heavy-duty vehicles chargers and an increase of the required power level of the truck chargers, which is currently too low. CLECAT also insists that the proposal should be accompanied with proper financial incentives to achieve infrastructure targets in the Member States.
Overall, CLECAT welcomes the Commission proposal for a Regulation, as it provides for clearer binding targets for all modes of freight transport to enable a switch to alternative fuels. This is needed to ensure a harmonised deployment of the infrastructure throughout Europe.
As the position paper on an Emissions Trading System (ETS) for road transport sets out, CLECAT welcomes the proposal to extend the ETS to road transport. A European solution for carbon pricing should avoid the proliferation of national ETS schemes. The support is however conditional to the revenues from CO2 pricing from road transport being ringfenced and returned to the sector in the form of subsidy programmes for investments in green vehicles, technology and innovation in infrastructure.
Importantly, CLECAT’s position on ETS and energy taxation argues that policymakers should recognise the role of bridging technologies and biofuels as a solution to decarbonise the sector before the full uptake of electric heavy-duty vehicles.
In addition, CLECAT supports the proposal to make shipping pay for its pollution by the inclusion of maritime transport in the ETS system and the gradual increase of sustainable alternative fuels.
In the field of aviation, CLECAT particularly welcomes the proposals to increase the production, deployment, and supply of affordable, high-quality alternative sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in Europe.
Finally, as outlined in its position paper on the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), CLECAT is supportive of the objectives of the CBAM proposal. There are important elements regarding its practical implementation that need careful navigation, including the need for clarity on impacted customs procedures, digital CBAM reporting, stability in the scope and uniform sanctions.
Despite sound proposals, CLECAT considers that there is room for improvement of the various proposals. The main points of concern and outstanding questions are addressed in the position papers. CLECAT is looking forward to a continued meaningful dialogue and exchange with the legislative parties.