Ahead of the next MEPC meeting taking place on October 14th in London, the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) urges IMO member states to formally adopt the Net-Zero Framework. This global initiative is a vital step towards decarbonising international shipping and will provide much-needed clarity for the sector as it transitions to low-emission operations.
Following the adoption, ESPO urges the European Commission to ensure maximum alignment between the IMO framework and existing EU measures such as FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). A coherent regulatory landscape is vital to avoid double payment, reduce administrative burdens, and prevent market distortions and business leakage that is already undermining the competitiveness of European ports. ESPO looks forward to the upcoming assessment by 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 the priority of this Commission. The adoption of the IMO Net-Zero Framework and the direct follow-up by the Commission with a maximum alignment of the EU ETS maritime would give the EU ports sector a strong signal that the Commission walks the talk. Europe’s ports are strongholds of Europe’s sustainable and resilient future but can only play their role if they remain competitive”, says ESPO’s Secretary General Isabelle Ryckbost.
