Brussels, 16 November 2021
In the context of the ongoing discussions on the “Fit for 55” Package, FEPORT was invited to participate to the EPP exchange of views on the EU maritime transport and the EU maritime shipping industry, organized by MEP Marian Jean Marinescu, the Transport Coordinator from the EPP Group in the European Parliament.
During the exchange of views that took place on the 16th of November, the speakers discussed a wide range of topics, among which the evolution of emission reductions, the alternative fuels for maritime shipping which will be used in the future, and the potential raise in costs and prices and their effect on jobs and consumer accessibility.
FEPORT Secretary General, Mrs Lamia Kerdjoudj-Belkaid, stressed the importance of consistency when it comes to EU climate legislation, especially between the FuelEU and AFIR Regulation proposals. “If both Regulations are not aligned, port stakeholders will run the risk of stranded assets” she stated. “For instance, if the OPS user requirements in the FuelEU proposal are watered down, this will reduce the return on investment for clean refueling and recharging solutions, both from an environmental and business point of view.”
Mrs Kerdjoudj-Belkaid also alerted the audience on the risk of cargo diversion linked to the application of the EU ETS. Such a development could seriously jeopardize the position of European transshipment ports, further exacerbating the re-routing risk caused by Brexit.