Climate news by BPO – Fit for 55 for ports and maritime transport

The 'Fit for 55' package sets the EU’s policies in line with its commitment expressed in the European Green Deal to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and to achieve climate neutrality in 2050.

The EC creates appropriate regulations for each major economic sector in order to meet its goals.
We have collected the latest and most important regulations regarding maritime transport and ports which you can see below.

Regulations in a nutshell

FuelEU Maritime – regulation published on 22 September 2023 and will be in force from 12 October 2023:

a. Main goal of the regulation is to cut emission from maritime sector (13,5% of EU emissions), it will be achieved by:

1. Reducing annual average carbon intensity of Vessels above 5 000 gross tonnes calling at EU ports (in respect of energy used during stay within EUs port, entirety Energy used voyages between EU’s ports and half energy used for voyages connected to third country port or outermost port) by:

a. - 2% in 2025;
b. - 6% in 2030;
c. - 14,5% in 2035;
d. - 31% in 2040;
e. -62% in 2045;
f. - 80% in 2050.

2. The ships will need to connect to onshore power supply while moored from 2030.

3. By 31 August 2024 companies need to submit to verifiers a monitoring plan for each of their ships.

4. There is the possibility to pool two or more ships for the purpose of fulfilling the requirements.

Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) – regulation published on 22 September 2023 and will be in force from 12 October 2023, the new rules will be effective six months later:

a. To support transition from fossil fuels into sustainable fuels the European Union puts regulatory framework on providing enough infrastructure:

1. Ports of Ten-T core and comprehensive network shall provide shore-side electrical supply of at least 90% of the total number of port calls of that ships at port if in the last 3 years, averages annually there was:

a. above 100 seagoing container ships above 5 000 gross tonnes or; b. above 40 seagoing ro-ro passenger ships and seagoing high-speed passenger craft (above 5 000 gross tonnes) or;
c. above 25 seagoing passenger ships above 5 000 gross tonnes other than referred in the previous point.

2. Core Ten-T ports will need to provide by 31 December 2024 LNG points (enough to travel throughout the core TEN-T network).

EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS) – in force from 16 May 2023, Member States have to implement new rules by 1 January 2024:

a. Currently the system covers around 40% of total EU emissions and since 2005 it has cut them by 41% (in the sectors covered); it consists of a system of emission allowances that are traded on the free market; the development of EU ETS directive will help fasten the Europeans transition.

b. The range of sectors increases to maritime transport.

c. The shipping company’s must surrender in 2025 for the first time 40% its emission by allowances, and 70% in the following year, from 2026 100% emissions should be covered by allowances; offshore ships will be included from 2027 (but they have to monitor their emissions from 2025); the number of free allowance will change 4,2% per year.

BPO Ystad Climate Declaration

In September, during the last Baltic Ports Conference, the Members of the Baltic Ports Organization approved and signed the BPO Ystad Climate Declaration.

The Declaration supports the plan formulated by the European Commission. Recognizing the essential part ports need to play in order to achieve the climate goals placed before the maritime community, Members of the BPO declared their readiness to put forth the best effort to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from port activities, inspire environmental consciousness and cooperate with business partners and a wide range of stakeholders in order to protect our climate.

At the same time the signees would like to emphasize the need for a practical and rational approach, combined with transparent dialogue between the maritime industry and the policymakers as key for making a carbon neutral Europe a reality. The goals must be achievable, with clearly outlined targets and the required financial and legislative support must be provided.