On April 18th, 2023, the European Parliament adopted the final EP-Council agreement for the revised EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). While this adoption is an important step for the decarbonization of shipping, FEPORT remains concerned by the real risk that some shipping companies add a call to a port outside the EU or change their rotations to avoid paying ETS allowances.

The competitiveness of EU ports is at risk if awareness and action come too late. This is why FEPORT calls upon the EU Commission to immediately start monitoring the impact of the ETS for maritime to prevent carbon and business leakage that can harm EU ports. When cargo is lost, it is very rare that it “comes back again”. Thus, the importance to have a concrete action plan when evasion is confirmed.

A lot is expected from EU ports when it comes to decarbonization. This is why expectations should also be reflected in the amount of funding and financing that the roll out of alternative fuel infrastructure will require. In this respect, FEPORT reiterates its call that part of the revenues from ETS are dedicated to investments in ports that will contribute to the decarbonization of shipping.

Last April 13th, the report on TEN-T has been adopted by the TRAN Committee. FEPORT congratulates the two co-rapporteurs as well as the shadow rapporteurs for the meaningful work.

In the discussions on TEN-T, FEPORT has argued that ports’ inclusion in the TEN-T network should not only be considered on the basis of passenger and freight thresholds, but also on the basis of other criteria such as ports’ geopolitical significance or contribution to the energy transition.

It is a positive signal that amendments acknowledge the geostrategic importance as an additional criterion on the basis of which ports can be included in the TEN-T network. However, it is crucial that energy-related dimensions are also taken into consideration.

With respect to foreign investments, FEPORT understands the need to ensure that these investments do not jeopardize security and public order for critical infrastructure in general and appreciates the fact that 18 Member States have screening mechanisms allowing ex ante evaluations. More nuance is nevertheless needed in the framework of the debate regarding the possible threats relating to FDI. All over the world including in the EU, FDI contributes to the attractiveness of many sectors and creates jobs.

FDI does not always mean full operational control or access to sensitive information from a security perspective. Neither does operational control mean ownership. Hence, the necessity to have a meaningful and serene dialogue between all interested parties to better grasp the entire dimensions of FDI and its role.
Source: FEPORT