Question for written answer to the Commission by Rosa Serrano Sierra (S&D, ES)
In March 2025, the Commission adopted its first report on the implementation of the EU emissions trading system (ETS) extension to maritime transport.
The report concludes that there is no clear evidence of ships being diverted to non-European ports or that shipping companies are relocating their ports of call to avoid ETS and FuelEU obligations.
However, the report fails to calculate the CO2 emissions emitted, overlooks the fact that the Red Sea crisis is temporarily modifying traffic flows and omits the increase in announced investments in transhipment terminals in third-country ports. Nor does it take into account the fact that in 2024, European ports lost 2% of their operational capacity, while non-European ports gained 3%.
In the light of the above:
1. Has the Commission analysed whether emissions have been reduced and whether there has been any impact on the connectivity of European ports?
2. Will it address any of the issues raised in the forthcoming European port strategy and, in particular, does it intend to include a framework for the protection of port workers in the strategy?
3. Is it considering extending the list of third-country transhipment ports with carbon leakage risks this year?
Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission
All sectors, including maritime transport, need to contribute to the EU climate neutrality goal by 2050. The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and FuelEU Maritime are key policies to achieve this objective.
In its report on the monitoring of the implementation of the ETS Directive in relation to maritime transport, the Commission did assess trends on port connectivity using data on port liner shipping connectivity index.
The analysis revealed no significant difference in the evolution of connectivity of EU transhipment ports compared to neighbouring non-EU transhipment ports. It, however, showed the high impact of the Red Sea crisis on maritime traffic in 2024.
The Commission also assessed planned investments in ports, both in the EU and neighbouring countries, showing no noticeable turnaround compared to ongoing trends.
The Commission will continue closely monitoring the situation, and will take action if needed. The Commission will also continue analysing greenhouse gas emissions in its regular annual reports, with the next one covering 2024 data expected towards the end of the year.
The forthcoming EU Port Strategy will look at all major issues facing ports. It will notably focus on security and competitiveness. Social aspects, including the need to ensure safe and secure working conditions, will also be covered.
The implementing act identifying neighbouring container transhipment ports must be updated every two years. The next update is foreseen by end 2025, based on the criteria defined in the legislation.