- The EU parliament wants the maritime sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the ships.
- MEP’s suggested many ways to reduce air pollution, improve energy efficiency and decarbonize the maritime sector.
- The EP rapporteur talked about the position of parliament being stable and the climate targets are met quickly and effectively.
Members of the European Parliament voted on draft EU rules governing the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport.
Greenhouse gas
The European Parliament wants the maritime sector to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships by 2% by 2025, 20% by 2035, and 80% by 2050 compared to 2020 levels (the Commission proposed 13% and 75% reductions).
This would apply to ships with a gross tonnage of over 5000, which are responsible for 90% of CO2 emissions, to all energy used on board in or between EU ports, and to 50% of energy used on voyages where the departure or arrival port is outside the EU or in its most remote regions.
Air pollution
MEPs also mandated that containerships and passenger ships use on-shore power supply while berthed at major EU ports by 2030. This would greatly reduce port air pollution.
MEPs support the imposition of penalties to ensure compliance. Revenues from these should go to the Ocean Fund and help to decarbonize the maritime sector, improve energy efficiency, and develop zero-emission propulsion technologies.
Maritime Decarbonisation
Jörgen Warborn (EPP, SE), the EP rapporteur on sustainable maritime fuels, stated, “This is by far the world’s most ambitious pathway to maritime decarbonisation. The position of Parliament ensures that our climate targets are met quickly and effectively, preserving the competitiveness of the maritime sector and preventing carbon leakage or job losses in Europe.”
Negotiation approved
By 485 votes to 65 and 80 abstentions, as well as 451 votes to 137 and 54 abstentions on the issue of sustainable maritime fuels, the negotiating mandate was approved. Parliament is now ready to begin talks with member states.
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Source: Port News
