Interferry, the international association representing the ferry industry, with the approach of the October 12 date, the day the new European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) comes into force, is raising the alarm about the potential impact of the new system on disembarkation and embarkation times in European ports. The EES, which involves the collection of biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) for non-EU citizens, could in fact create a bottleneck in ports connecting the Schengen area to third countries such as the United Kingdom or Morocco.
According to Interferry, the implementation of the EES represents a huge logistical challenge. The need to collect biometric data from all passengers over the age of 12, including those traveling by car and bus, is an operation that could drastically slow down border control procedures. The association emphasizes that this challenge, while not directly managed by ferry operators, will have significant repercussions on their operations, influencing docking and departure times.
Another issue concerns the integration of IT systems. Interferry has questioned the European Union’s ability to ensure that third countries are fully informed about the new procedures and, consequently, has raised doubts about the necessary adjustments for the booking systems of the companies.
In the face of the perplexity raised by the sector, the European authorities have shown a certain flexibility, allowing Member States to implement the EES gradually, over a period of six months, as provided for by Regulation /2025. By the next September 25, individual States will have to share their national plans with the European Commission, autonomously deciding the speed of the system’s adoption.
This decision-making autonomy, however, creates a further unknown for ferry operators: since States will communicate their plans only with the managers of port infrastructure, Interferry has urged its members to proactively maintain close contact with the ports to know when and where the system will be activated.
