ESPO welcomes EU’s Fit for 55 package, but urges for improvements

The package includes different proposals regarding ports:

• A proposal for a Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR);
• A new proposal to increase the use of alternative fuels by shipping (FuelEU Maritime);
• The extension of the Emissions Trading System to shipping (EU ETS);
• Amendments to the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII), and an update of the Energy Taxation Directive.

The fit for 55-proposals are an important first step: all ingredients are there to deliver the green deal and climate goals. We will now examine the proposals in depth and identify where the port pillar of this green deal architecture should be optimised. For Europe’s ports it is essential to ultimately achieve a policy that is effective in reducing emissions, is coherent, keeps an eye on the competitiveness of Europe’s port sector, is future-proof and does not create stranded assets or additional administrative burden for ports. It should take the diversity of the European port and maritime sector into due consideration

believes ESPO’s Secretary General Isabelle Ryckbost.