Towards a maritime sector fit for 55

Please find HERE the recording of the meeting

Stay tuned and watch this space - we will organise a follow-up event on Fit for 55 measures in February 2022

Maritime transport is a crucial sector. For the EU as a whole and, of course, for all maritime Regions and port cities. It plays a key role in their socio-economic development. This is especially true for Islands and Outermost-Regions, where maritime transport is not only essential to connect citizens to the mainland, but also represents their main or only transport mode for goods.

Maritime transport is responsible for about 2.5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the sector is projected to expand. According to the 3rd IMO GHG study, under a business-as-usual scenario, shipping emissions could increase between 50% and 250% by 2050, undermining the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

At the same time, there is significant potential to reduce shipping emissions, as many technical and operational measures can contribute to decarbonising the sector. On 14 July 2021, the European Commission adopted a series of legislative proposals setting out how it intends to achieve climate neutrality in the EU by 2050. Several proposals included in the Fit for 55 Package, such as those on maritime fuels (FuelEU) and on energy infrastructure in ports (AFIR), are directly addressing emission reduction for maritime transport. Furthermore, the package as a whole (including e.g. the European Trading System (ETS) Directive, the Energy Taxation Directive, and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) will greatly impact maritime transport and maritime sectors.

With the negotiations of the different files now reaching the European Parliament, it is the right time to host a comprehensive SEArica discussion between DG MOVE and the MEPs, maritime sector representatives, coastal regions, ports, and NGOs.

The online event will be structured in 3 sessions and address the impacts and transition opportunities brought by the measures of the Fit for 55 Package upon the maritime sector.

Hosted by SEArica Chair Tonino Picula, SEArica Vice-Chair for Blue Economy, Maritime Industries and Ports Petros Kokkalis, SEArica member and ITRE rapporteur for the FuelEU maritime regulation Rasmus Andresen and SEArica member and TRAN shadow rapporteur for the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation Caroline Nagtegaal. 

With the participation of SEArica member Josianne Cutajar. 

Please find HERE the recording of the meeting