European Ports Express Concerns Over Carbon Leakage in EU Maritime ETS
As preparations for the implementation of the European Union's emission trading system (ETS) directive for the maritime sector are underway, concerns are growing among European ports regarding the potential for carbon and business leakage. The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) has voiced its apprehensions in response to the recent public consultation on the inclusion of non-EU neighboring ports under the "transshipment clause" of the directive.
To ensure the success of the maritime EU ETS, ESPO calls on the European Commission to safeguard the competitiveness of European ports and prevent carbon and business leakage to neighboring ports. ESPO emphasizes that monitoring should begin well in advance of the directive's application date, as rerouting and evasion efforts are already underway. Furthermore, continuous monitoring, rather than periodic reporting every two years, is essential to proactively address these concerns. In light of the current situation and the significant consequences for European ports, ESPO is urging the European Commission to engage in open, continuous, and constructive dialogue to assess and address adverse impacts and signal evasion at an early stage. The objective is to ensure that the EU ETS achieves its intended goals of sustainability and environmental benefit for the maritime sector.
