For Odessa and the Ukrainians
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the port of Odessa has been the target of bombings and very soon many Europeans started to understand how vital this port is not only for Ukraine but for Europe and other regions outside the EU.
Indeed, beyond the deep geopolitical, economic, and humanitarian consequences, the bombing of the port of Odessa has been an eye-opener on the role of Ukraine and its ports for global grain exports, trade, and military logistics.
Ukraine is one of the world’s top grain exporters (especially wheat, corn, and sunflower oil). Attacks on grain terminals have immediately worsened food insecurity, especially in Africa and the Middle East.
To handle the significant ripple effects of the attacks on Odessa’s terminals on European ports, global trade, and supply chains, Ukrainian grain and other exports had to be redirected by rail and truck to European ports like Constanța, Gdańsk and Hamburg and other European ports.
Shipping companies avoiding Black Sea routes due to missile threats had to pay skyrocketed insurance rates to return to the Black Sea and countries relying on Ukrainian exports faced longer delivery times. Odessa’s attacks also affected oil and gas transit, making energy security a bigger issue for Europe.
As we are commemorating the three years of the war in Ukraine, it is worth remembering that beyond the political and economic considerations and depressing statistics about deaths, as in all war theatres, behind figures, there are people.
People whom we see every day on our TV, computer and smartphone screens are certainly discouraged and desperate about the future. We should not get used to suffering or surrender.
What is currently taking place in the White House, far from Europe, is not just about the end of the war in Ukraine. What will be agreed upon regarding Ukraine will continue to have significant cascading effects on the EU and the rest of the world.
The cost might be extremely expensive, and it will not be only about grain related logistics and the reorganisation of our supply chains.
Dear colleagues, guests, and friends,
The EU’s maritime cluster plays a critical role in global competition on digital dominance and decarbonization. While the EU is not as prominent as the U.S. in digital technologies or as aggressive as China in renewable energy production, it is crucial that future EU support measures scale up in driving sustainability and innovation in the maritime sector.
The EU maritime cluster encompasses shipbuilding, shipping, ports, marine technology, and blue economy sectors. The EU is home to some of the world's leading shipping companies, innovative shipbuilders, and advanced port superstructures operated by competitive world class players.
However, Asian shipyards, particularly in South Korea and China, dominate commercial shipbuilding, making it hard for EU yards to compete on cost. High costs of alternative fuels and retrofitting vessels also pose barriers to rapid decarbonization. Some lessons are to be learnt, and strong measures to support the competitiveness of the entire maritime sector must become a priority.
The way in which European policymakers look at the value of the maritime ecosystem must evolve as all industries that are part of the cluster play a decisive role and are totally interdependent.
During the eighth FEPORT Stakeholders Conference, we will, among others, discuss the competitiveness of the maritime and port sectors, trade policies that are required to give access to markets in the EU and outside the EU for all players; and how reciprocity can rebalance our relationship with our competitors.
We are looking forward to having an interesting conversation with our high-profile speakers and guests on how the EU can be more offensive and assertive towards its competitors.
The conference will start at 9:00 am and conclude at 16:30 pm. It will include opening addresses followed by two moderated sessions and exchanges with the audience.
We look forward to welcoming you on April 9th, 2025.
The FEPORT team
04.02.2025 - FEPORT attends the presentation of EMTER – Lisbon
On February 4th, 2025, FEPORT Secretary General, Ms Lamia Kerdjoudj has been invited by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the European Environment Agency (EEA) to the launch of the second edition of the European Maritime Transport Environmental Report (EMTER 2025). The event took place at EMSA premises in Lisbon.
This second edition of the EMTER provides an in-depth assessment of the environmental impact of the maritime transport sector in the EU and a factual analysis of the environmental pressures exerted by it. This latest edition not only evaluates progress achieved in recent years but also highlights the interconnectedness of maritime activities with broader ecological, economic, and social systems.
After a series of keynote addresses from Maja Markovčić Kostelac, Executive Director, European Maritime Safety Agency and Commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, attendees listened to video contributions from Commissioner Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, European Commission, MEP Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi and Mr Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organisation.
The presentation of the report by Ms Leena Ylä-Mononen, Executive Director, European Environment Agency (EEA), has been followed by discussions between maritime stakeholders on EMTER’s key findings.
05.02.2025 – EMSA and EEA publish European Transport Environment Report 2025 – Lisbon
On the 5th of February, European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and European Environment Agency (EEA) published the European Maritime Transport Environmental Report (EMTER) 2025.
The report stresses that even though the demand for maritime transport is increasing, this is accompanied with increasing impacts on the atmosphere and marine ecosystems.
The publication highlights a number of domains in which the maritime transport sector is making clear progress when it comes to environmental performance such as the reduction of sulphur oxides (Sox), reporting on a reduction of 70% since 2014, and underwater noise as foresight modelling has identified mitigation measures that could lead to reductions of up to 70% from 2030 to 2050.
The EMTER publication also highlighted areas where the maritime sector is still exerting pressure on the environment such as GHG emissions, nitrogen oxides (Nox) emissions and port expansion.
The report finally highlights different options to accelerate the sector’s transition to sustainability, such as by including ambitious decarbonisation objectives in EU legislation while speeding up the deployment of alternative fuels and technologies.
05.02.2025 - FEPORT replies to Platform on Sustainable Finance (PSF) draft report on taxonomy simplification - Brussels
On January 8th, 2025, the Platform on Sustainable Finance published a draft report containing preliminary recommendations for the review of the Taxonomy Climate Delegated Act, in view of simplifying the EU Taxonomy and reducing reporting burdens for companies.
The draft report includes a set of recommendations on the technical screening criteria and advises to amend part of them, while reflecting on the addition of new activities to the EU taxonomy.
FEPORT responded to the call for feedback regarding the draft report on February 5th, providing suggestions on how to better include cargo handling in seaports and related equipment in the technical screening criteria.
FEPORT reply also favoured the inclusion of dredging and stressed that the reference to modal shift in activity description 6.16 should be maintained. Finally, it is crucial to simplify taxonomy reporting. FEPORT therefore argues that the reporting obligations for terminal operators only relate to their own activities, not to the taxonomy-alignment of the different transport modes calling at their facilities.
05.02.2025 – FEPORT and 44 European Transport Organisations Call for a Stronger EU Transport Budget – Brussels
On February 5th, FEPORT alongside 44 European transport organisations, co-signed an open letter urging EU policymakers to uphold a strong, centrally coordinated transport funding instrument to address Europe’s infrastructure, resilience, and decarbonisation challenges.
A well-functioning, integrated transport network is essential to maintaining Europe’s supply chain sovereignty and enabling the shift to a net-zero economy. European-level funding ensures investments of high EU-added value, tackling cross-border bottlenecks, improving intermodality, and supporting the long-term competitiveness of the transport sector.
“Strategic EU investment in transport is critical to overcoming fragmentation, ensuring infrastructure aligns with the needs of businesses, and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness,” says FEPORT Secretary General, Lamia Kerdjoudj.
“The Draghi report highlights the risks of a patchwork approach. National plans alone are not enough to secure integration, intermodality, and long-term resilience.” underlines FEPORT Secretary General.
The joint open letter has been handed over to the EU Commission by Karin de Schepper, Ansis Zeltins and Alberto Mazzola at the TEN_T conference in Lodz (Poland).
06.02.2025 – Commission selects innovative projects dedicated to deploying alternative fuels infrastructure in transport - Brussels
On the 6th of February, the Commission has announced the selection of 39 innovative projects across the EU aimed at supporting the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure for different transport modes. The total investment via the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) of EUR 422 million will support projects among others focussing on the following:
- Installing public electric recharging stations for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles;
- Developing hydrogen refueling stations and onshore power supply in ports;
- Providing infrastructure for ammonia and methanol for shipping.
AFIF functions through a rolling call for proposals. The next cut-off date will be on June 11th 2025, for which a budget of around EUR 578 million remains available.
More information on the funded projects can be accessed here.
11.02.2025 –Commission issues Communication on next MFF – Brussels
On February 11th, 2025, the European Commission issued a Communication entitled The Road to the next Multiannual Financial Framework detailing its priorities for the next long-term EU budget as the current one is reaching its end in 2027.
The Commission seeks to move from a budget which is mainly based on programmes, towards a MFF where the allocation of resources is more policy-focussed. Aim is to simplify the MFF while including country-specific plans detailing key reforms and investments. The next MFF should also include a European Competitiveness Fund to increase investment capacity to support strategic sectors and technologies, such as through research and innovation and Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs).
Stakeholders can provide their views regarding the next MFF through various thematic public consultations, focussing for example on competitiveness, the single market and the implementation of EU funding with Member States and regions.
Source: European Commission
14.02.2025 - FEPORT Responds to EU Call for Evidence on Drug Trafficking – Brussels
On February 14th, FEPORT submitted its response to the European Commission’s call for evidence on the evaluation of criminal acts and penalties for drug trafficking. The consultation, launched under the EU Drugs Strategy, aims to assess the effectiveness of current legislative frameworks in combating illicit drug trade.
In its response, FEPORT emphasised the need for a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach that involves all actors along the supply chain. Ports play a crucial role in intercepting illicit shipments, but addressing drug trafficking effectively requires stronger legislative measures, improved cooperation with law enforcement, and better tracking technologies.
FEPORT also called for enhanced cybersecurity to prevent traffickers from exploiting digital vulnerabilities, alongside clearer legal frameworks to ensure that unauthorised access to port areas for drug retrieval is recognised as a serious offense. Additionally, the response proposed the creation of a European Customs-Trade Partnership Against Drugs (CPTAD) to foster public-private collaboration in tackling organised crime.
As discussions on strengthening EU drug trafficking legislation progress, FEPORT will continue to advocate for effective measures that support security while ensuring smooth port operations.
Find the full response here.
19.02.2025 – TRAN Committee meets for structured dialogue with Commissioner Tzitzikostas – Brussels
On February 19th, the Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Committee met for a structured dialogue with Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas who presented the transport and tourism related aspects of the Commission Work Programme for 2025.
Topics discussed included the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP), rail and multimodal transport, the competitiveness of the maritime and port sectors and military mobility.
Commissioner Tzitzikostas explained in his introductory presentation how the STIP should channel investments to the decarbonisation of transport, stressing the Plan will feature actions to accelerate investments in sustainable maritime fuels production and the rollout of recharging infrastructure. He highlighted that the STIP will include roadmaps for each transport mode, focussing for example on financial mechanisms aimed at de-risking private sector investments while improving the supply of sustainable energy as well as international cooperation on the production and distribution of alternative fuels.
Mr Tzitzikostas reiterated the Commission’s plans to propose a maritime industrial strategy by the end of 2025 aiming at enhancing the EU’s industrial base in complex maritime technologies. Alluding to the European Port Strategy, the Transport Commissioner highlighted its strong sustainability component, adding that the strategy will also focus on security, safety, funding and innovation, and economic independence.
MEP reactions to the presentation focussed for example on military mobility, with MEP Gieseke (EPP, Germany) calling on the Commission to make it a priority in the next MFF. He also underlined the need of cutting red tape. MEP Oetjen (Renew Europe, Germany) underlined that CEF Transport is key for military mobility, but also for increasing investments in alternative fuels.
Responding to the remarks on military mobility, the Commissioner argued that the budget of EUR 1.7 billion in the previous MFF was too low and had already been spent three years ahead of schedule, while the actual investment needs amount to EUR 70 billion. Tzitzikostas therefore underlined his commitment to advocate for a higher military mobility budget in the upcoming MFF, also in view of upgrading civilian transport infrastructure to military standards. On the topic of administrative complexity, he reiterated his commitment to reducing regulatory burdens by 30%.
MEP Berendsen (EPP, Netherlands) asked the Commissioner about the timeline regarding the upcoming European Ports Strategy, for which he worked on an Own Initiative Report at the end of the previous parliamentary term. MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (Renew Europe, Ireland) underlined the role of ports when it comes to both the transport and production of energy, asking how the Commissioner planned to ensure that regional ports will receive the necessary support for renewable energy production within the next MFF framework.
Commissioner Tzitzikostas, in his reaction to the second round of MEP questions, stressed that the STIP’s objective is to boost investment aimed at increasing the production of alternative fuels. He confirmed the presentation of the Port Strategy by the end of 2025.
Source: Dods and FEPORT
20.02.2025 – European Ports Forum Meeting – Brussels
FEPORT attended the Port Forum meeting held on February 20th, the agenda included following topics:
EU Port Strategy: Discussions focused on the development of a Comprehensive EU Port Strategy, addressing key challenges such as competitiveness, security, digitalisation, foreign influence, and the energy transition. The European Commission plans to launch a public consultation in the second quarter of 2025 to shape the strategy, which will include both existing and new measures.
A major theme of the discussions was how to enhance EU port competitiveness while ensuring security and resilience. Participants highlighted the need for clearer guidelines on foreign investment, stronger security measures, and improved coordination across the sector. Digitalisation was recognised as a crucial tool for enhancing efficiency, resilience, and sustainability, with a focus on better data-sharing and cooperation between stakeholders.
The energy transition also featured prominently, with calls for increased support to help ports implement greener practices and infrastructure. Simplification of regulations and better access to funding were seen as key to enabling a smooth transition.
Stakeholders were encouraged to engage actively in the upcoming public consultation to ensure their perspectives are reflected in the strategy. FEPORT and industry representatives will continue to monitor developments and advocate for a balanced and pragmatic approach that supports port operators and boosting competitiveness.
European Maritime Space Study: An update about the European Maritime Space Study was presented.
Emission Trading System (ETS) and its Impact on the Maritime Sector: DG CLIMA informed the participants that they have completed the monitoring for 2024. A meeting to discuss the findings will follow.
Research and Innovation in the Port Sector: attendees discussed future research and innovation (R&I) prospects for ports. Presentations from DG RTD highlighted emerging technologies and digital solutions aimed at enhancing port efficiency and sustainability. Discussions addressed potential funding opportunities and collaborative projects to accelerate innovation.
20.02.2025 – FEPORT replies to Call for Feedback FuelEU Maritime Implementing Regulation - Brussels
On January 14th, the European Commission published a draft Implementing Regulation laying down a list of non-EEA ports to be excluded from the definition of “port of call” under the FuelEU Maritime Regulation.
FEPORT replied on the 20th of February to the call for feedback reiterating its concerns regarding carbon and business leakage in the context of the implementation of ETS Maritime and FuelEU.
The FuelEU draft Implementing Regulation and the already existing secondary legislation under ETS Maritime exclude Tanger Med (Morocco) and East Port Said (Egypt) from the definition of port of call and FEPORT believes that this deters some forms of evasion – most notably changing the order of port calls or adding and additional stop – via those ports.
The scope of the Regulation should however be expanded, allowing for the possibility of including additional ports beyond the 300 nautical miles and 65% transhipment thresholds, while at the same time considering the statistics of individual terminals.
In addition, it should be recognised that excluding non-EEA ports from the definition of port of call only addresses certain forms of evasion, but does not help in tackling the reconfiguration of cargo flows or shipping routes in the case of transhipment or relay traffic.
FEPORT position paper finally underlined the need for taking measures to improve the attractiveness of ports in the EU when it comes to bunkering while improving the business case and return on investment for onshore power supply.
21.02.2025- Working Party on the Customs Union meets to discuss Title VI and VII of the UCC reform proposal - Brussels
On the 21st of February, the Council Working Party on Customs met to discuss the Union Customs Code reform proposal, specifically focussing on Title VI (Goods brought into the customs territory of the Union) and Title VII (Goods taken out of the customs territory of the Union).
In particular Title VI is of relevance to FEPORT as it includes provisions governing the temporary storage of goods. FEPORT closely monitors the discussions on this aspect of the proposal as it is crucial to maintain a sufficiently long-time limit in order to prevent operational disturbances in ports and supply chains, or disproportionate administrative costs. At the same time, the customs reform should pay attention to all relevant aspects related to the temporary storage of goods such as the movement of goods between temporary storage facilities and authorisations to operate such facilities.
Finally, it is of paramount importance that trusted operators of temporary storage facilities can apply for a guarantee waiver. FEPORT in that respect recommends following the European Parliament’s proposal to make the guarantee waiver accessible for both “Trust and Check” and AEO-C certified economic operators.
Source: Council of the European Union and FEPORT
26.02.2025 - President Von der Leyen presents Clean Industrial Deal to CEOs - Antwerp
On the 26th of February, 2025, President Ursula Von der Leyen presented the Clean Industrial deal to more than 300 industry leaders gathered in Antwerp.
Ms. Von der Leyen’s presentation follows the Antwerp Declaration, which was presented to the Commission last year by business leaders from various industries and called on the Commission to propose measures to improve the competitiveness and the attractiveness for investments of the EU.
The Clean Industrial Deal aims at remedying EU companies’ competitiveness challenges, while providing incentives for decarbonisation.
- Affordable energy: the Affordable Energy Action plan should, among others, accelerate electrification while improving energy efficiency and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels;
- Boosting demand for clean products through the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act, which will also address permitting bottlenecks regarding industrial access to energy;
- Financing the clean transition: a Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework will speed up the approval of state aid to support industrial decarbonisation and the rollout of renewable energy as well as enhance clean tech manufacturing capacity;
- Circularity and access to materials: a Circular Economy Act should ensure that scarce materials are used more efficiently while an EU Critical Materials Centre should allow for the joint purchase of raw materials on behalf of companies;
- Acting on a global scale: Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships should allow for the diversification of supply chains. Investments will be mobilised through the Global Gateway. Strengthening and simplifying the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is another key priority under this heading;
- Skills and quality jobs: this priority will among others be addressed through a Union of Skills that invests in workers, quality jobs and skills’ development. Also funding will be leveraged via Erasmus+.
The Clean Industrial Deal Communication can be accessed here.
Source: European Commission
26.02.2025 - Commission issues proposals to reduce administrative burdens for companies and citizens - “Omnibus” package - Brussels
On the 26th of February, the European Commission adopted a series of legislative proposals that simplify compliance with EU rules for business and citizens.
The “Omnibus” package in particular aims to:
- Increase efficiency when it comes to sustainability and due diligence reporting;
- Improve the functioning of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM);
Pieces of legislation covered by Omnibus include the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the Taxonomy and Delegated Act and CBAM.
The proposals can be accessed here.
27.02.2025 - FEPORT welcomes the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal and Omnibus proposals - Brussels
The Clean Industrial Deal communication is a major milestone translating the Commission’s willingness to continue its pursuit of EU Climate targets while ensuring that companies maintain and expand their competitiveness through support for the deployment of clean technologies and access to affordable energy.
Terminal operators and the transport modes calling at their facilities (e.g. ships and trucks) are taking real steps towards the decarbonisation of their operations, for example through electrification. However, the prices and accessibility of clean energy can be real bottlenecks in this respect, that also affect the competitive position of EU ports vis-a-vis third countries.
FEPORT therefore particularly supports the announced plans to lower energy prices and cut permitting times for the deployment of grid, energy storage and renewable projects.
FEPORT members are looking forward to the State aid simplification proposals in June this year as well as the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, as targeted support can help accelerate the deployment of green technologies in the port sector such as cargo handling equipment propelled by electricity or clean fuels.
“It is crucial that the contribution of terminal operators to the green transition is not overlooked as they can contribute to emission reductions by greening their own operations, but also by allowing the transshipment of goods between maritime and clean hinterland transport modes or through the handling of cargo that is crucial for the energy transition” says FEPORT Secretary General, Ms. Lamia Kerdjoudj.
“Their role should be clearly recognised in the EU’s green finance policies, most notably in the Taxonomy framework” underlines FEPORT Secretary General.
FEPORT will carefully assess the proposed revisions to the Taxonomy Climate and Environmental Delegated Acts included in the Omnibus package, also in view of examining how these proposals and the amendments to CSRD and CDDD contribute to the much-needed reduction of red tape for companies.
Member’s Corner
30.01.2025 - PSA Antwerp Advances Sustainability with Shore Power Installation at Europa Terminal
PSA Antwerp has taken a significant step toward reducing emissions and fostering a more sustainable port ecosystem by signing a contract with contractor TM Stadsbader Group DSG - Jeco Energies for the construction of a state-of-the-art shore power installation at Europa Terminal.
Once operational, the installation will enable up to 100 container ships annually to connect to onshore electricity while docked, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. This initiative aligns with the broader industry efforts to enhance port sustainability and improve air quality in port communities.
Key Highlights of the Project:
- The 7.5 MW shore power system is expected to cut CO₂ emissions by up to 10,309 tons annually, equivalent to the emissions of 625 European households.
- Vessels will be able to switch from traditional diesel engines to clean, renewable electricity, reducing harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
- The project represents a €10 million investment, with €4 million in funding from the European Union’s REPowerEU initiative, and is scheduled for completion by April 2026.
“With the planned shore power installation for Europa Terminal, PSA Antwerp will become the first container terminal in the Port of Antwerp to offer this service. This initiative reinforces our commitment to sustainability and marks a crucial step in the port’s energy transition,” stated Jurgen De Wachter, General Manager at PSA Antwerp container business.
The shore power installation is a key component of Project Emerald, a collaborative effort between PSA Belgium and Port of Antwerp-Bruges, which focuses on the large-scale renovation of Europa Terminal. By modernising infrastructure, the project aims to accommodate mega-ships, enhance operational capacity, and support the port’s transition to climate neutrality.
FEPORT Meetings
03.03.2025 - Social Affairs Committee Meeting - Brussels
08.04.2025 - Board of Directors Meeting - Brussels
09.04.2025 - FEPORT Eighth Stakeholders’ Conference - Residence Palace - Brussels
07.05.2025 - Customs and Logistics Committee Meeting - Brussels
13.05.2025 - Environment, Safety and Security Committee Meeting - Brussels
27.05.2025 - Port Policy Committee Meeting - Brussels
03.06.2025 - Social Affairs Committee Meeting - Brussels
19 –> 20.06.2025 - General Assembly - Naples
25.09.2025 - Board of Directors Meeting - Brussels
08.10.2025 - Environment, Safety and Security Committee Meeting
10.10.2025 - Port Policy Committee Meeting
14.10.2025 - Customs and Logistics Committee Meeting
28.10.2024 - Social Affairs Committee Meeting
04.12.2025 - Board of Directors Meetings - Brussels
04.12.2025 - General Assembly - Brussels
EU Institutions Meetings
European Parliament
European Parliament Plenary
10-13 March, Strasbourg
Environment Committee
6 March, Brussels
Transport Committee
17-18 March, Brussels
Council of the EU
Informal meeting of transport ministers
17-18 March, Warsaw
Informal meeting of environment ministers
28-29 April, Warsaw
FEPORT Newsletter - February 2025