The EU Council has approved conclusions on a European Maritime Industrial Strategy and a European Ports Strategy, which includes language that opens the door to adjustments to the bloc’s shipping climate measures if the IMO adopts a global carbon pricing framework.
The conclusions state that EU measures should be adapted if the IMO introduces measures consistent with its 2023 GHG strategy, in order to avoid ‘double financial payments and administrative burdens’ and to support harmonised implementation while maintaining the competitiveness of the European maritime sector and the EU’s climate objectives.
The wording addresses a concern raised by European shipowners, who have argued that the coexistence of the EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and a future IMO carbon pricing mechanism could result in multiple charges being applied to the same emissions. However, any changes to existing EU legislation would require further proposals from the European Commission and approval by member states and the European Parliament.
The Council’s conclusions also acknowledge concerns about the impact of climate measures on European competitiveness. Member states highlighted risks including traffic diversion, carbon leakage and investment relocation, and called for efforts to reduce administrative burdens associated with maritime regulation.
The maritime industrial strategy identifies shipping, shipbuilding, repair, retrofitting, recycling and maritime equipment manufacturing as strategic sectors for the European economy. The document calls for greater investment across the maritime value chain, including in advanced shipbuilding technologies, automation, digitalisation and low- and zero-emission vessels.
The Council called for the deployment of sustainable maritime fuels and low-emission technologies, stressing the need for fuels that are safe, affordable and available at scale. Member states also backed the use of ETS revenues for climate-related investments.
Alexis Vafeades, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Republic of Cyprus: ‘By strengthening security, accelerating the energy transition and supporting innovation and investment, we are ensuring that European ports can continue to serve citizens, businesses and regions across the Union while maintaining Europe’s leading position in global maritime transport.’
Member states called for stronger protection of critical maritime infrastructure and supply chains, while also urging a risk-based approach to screening foreign investment in ports and other strategic assets.
The conclusions are part of the EU’s efforts to improve the competitiveness, resilience and sustainability of its maritime sector while meeting its decarbonisation goals. They also provide an indication of the issues member states want prioritised as discussions continue as to the implementation of both EU and IMO climate measures.
