Ahead of the upcoming meeting of the MEPC – Marine Environment Protection Committee, which will be held on October 14 in London, the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) is urging the IMO Member States to formally adopt the Net-Zero Framework.
“This global initiative represents a fundamental step towards the decarbonisation of international maritime transport and will provide the sector with the necessary clarity in the transition towards low-emission operations,” reads a note from the organisation, in open opposition to the wishes of the US administration and part of the industry (which is decidedly divided on the issue).
Following the adoption, ESPO urges the European Commission to ensure maximum alignment between the IMO regulatory framework and existing EU measures, such as FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS): “A coherent regulatory framework is essential to avoid double payments, reduce administrative burdens, and prevent market distortions and activity losses that are already undermining the competitiveness of European ports. ESPO looks forward to the upcoming assessment of the European Sustainable Shipping Forum (ESSF) and calls for a harmonised approach that supports the EU’s climate ambitions, while maintaining a level playing field for the maritime industry.”
“Combining decarbonisation and competitiveness is this Commission’s priority. The adoption of the IMO Net-Zero Framework and the immediate follow-up by the Commission with maximum alignment of the EU maritime ETS system would give the EU port sector a strong signal: the Commission is acting on its promises. European ports are strongholds of Europe’s sustainable and resilient future, but they can only play their role if they remain competitive,” said Isabelle Ryckbost, Secretary General of ESPO.
