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European Sea Ports Organisation

ESPO

ESPO represents European seaports and influences EU policy to achieve a safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable port sector.

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Bruno Tobback (Member of the European Parliament)

5 Jan 2026 · De positie van havens in het algemeen en hun rol in de energietransitie

Meeting with Fotini Ioannidou (Director Mobility and Transport) and

18 Dec 2025 · Upcoming EU Ports Strategy

Meeting with Flavio Laina (Head of Unit Competition)

16 Dec 2025 · Position of the European Sea Ports Organisation on the Revision of the General Block Exemption Regulation (EU) No 651/2014

European ports demand removal of barriers to circular economy

6 Nov 2025
Topic — EU Circular Economy Act to enhance sustainability and recycled materials supply.
Message — The organization requests recognition of ports as key circular economy hubs and removal of regulatory barriers. They seek harmonized EU rules, exemption from customs fees for reused goods, and refined waste definitions. They want accelerated permitting and investment support for circular activities.1234
Why — This would reduce bureaucracy costs and enable profitable circular activities in port areas.567
Impact — Non-EU exporters of cheap recycled materials lose competitive advantage from lower standards.89
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Meeting with Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

6 Nov 2025 · Mecanismo Conectar Europa

European Sea Ports Organisation calls CEF budget increase 'minimum' for strategic goals

29 Oct 2025
Topic — EU funding for trans-European transport and energy networks through 2028-2034.
Message — The organization supports the proposed €81.4 billion CEF budget but emphasizes it represents only a minimum level. They request a dedicated, ring-fenced budget line specifically for ports within CEF Transport, recognition of ports' cross-border nature, and simplified application procedures.123
Why — This would provide stable funding for their €80 billion investment pipeline through 2034.45
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Meeting with Kathleen Van Brempt (Member of the European Parliament)

21 Oct 2025 · EU Port Strategy

European ports demand infrastructure funding and priority grid access for energy security

13 Oct 2025
Topic — Revision of EU energy security framework addressing geopolitical and climate challenges.
Message — The organization requests recognition of ports as strategic European interest, increased funding for infrastructure investments, priority treatment for electricity grid connectivity, and enhanced security measures. They argue ports need these measures to continue energy operations during crises.123
Why — This would secure €80 billion in needed infrastructure investments and guarantee electricity supply for port operations.45
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Meeting with Torsten Klimke (Head of Unit Mobility and Transport)

13 Oct 2025 · Ports Policy

European ports urge streamlined state aid rules and higher thresholds

6 Oct 2025
Topic — EU review of rules exempting certain state aid from prior Commission approval.
Message — ESPO requests simplified administrative procedures, higher notification thresholds adjusted for inflation, and explicit recognition of digital port infrastructure and dual-use military investments. They seek longer validity periods for the regulation and mechanisms to recalculate funding gaps when exceptional events occur.1234
Why — This would reduce compliance costs and speed up investments in port infrastructure.56
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Meeting with Philippe Chantraine (Head of Unit Mobility and Transport)

2 Oct 2025 · Exchange of views on the MFF 2028+, in particular the Commission proposal on the Connecting Europe Facility Regulation

Meeting with Silke Brocks (Head of Unit Mobility and Transport)

17 Sept 2025 · Information and exchange of views on the White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030, and its included actions with regard to Military Mobility

European Sea Ports Organisation urges funding for sustainable tourism

11 Sept 2025
Topic — This consultation seeks evidence for a new strategy to promote sustainable EU tourism.
Message — ESPO requests a stable legal framework that reduces red tape and dedicated funding for green infrastructure. They urge the Commission to address carbon leakage risks to maintain port competitiveness.12
Why — Securing dedicated funding would help ports overcome high costs for mandatory green infrastructure installations.3
Impact — Non-EU ports would lose their competitive advantage if the EU prevents business leakage.4
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European Sea Ports Organisation demands CO2 infrastructure recognition

11 Sept 2025
Topic — EU initiative to establish competitive markets and transportation infrastructure for captured carbon dioxide.
Message — ESPO calls for a supply chain approach that fully recognises the role of ports in carbon capture. They request fast-tracked permitting and dedicated funding for specialized infrastructure like pipelines and terminals. The group also advocates for classifying CO2 as a commodity instead of waste to ease transport.12
Why — These changes would reduce investment risks and accelerate port-based decarbonisation projects.3
Impact — Local communities may face faster industrial expansion with reduced power to block projects.4
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Meeting with Anne Bergenfelt (Cabinet of Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas)

8 Sept 2025 · European Ports

European Sea Ports demand EU funding for green fuel transition

2 Sept 2025
Topic — Strategic plan to boost investments in renewable and low-carbon fuels for EU transport.
Message — ESPO requests that the EU reinvest carbon market revenues into maritime infrastructure and production to reduce fuel costs. They also want financial support for ongoing operating expenses and the large-scale deployment of green technologies.123
Why — Subsidies for operating costs would protect expensive investments and prevent ships from bypassing European ports for cheaper alternatives.45
Impact — Ports outside of the European Union could lose business as EU subsidies aim to stop shipping companies from refueling elsewhere.6
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Meeting with Hildegard Bentele (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and KfW Bankengruppe

1 Sept 2025 · Global Gateway

European Sea Ports Urge Priority Access to Energy Grids

29 Jul 2025
Topic — Modernising European energy infrastructure to accelerate the transition to clean power sources.
Message — ESPO calls for priority grid access and anticipatory investments to support mandatory shore-side electricity for ships. They also request that port-wide energy sharing be allowed without restrictive distance limits.12
Why — These measures would prevent grid congestion from blocking mandatory green projects and improve industrial efficiency.3
Impact — Other industrial sectors may face delayed grid access if ports receive special priority status.4
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Response to EU industrial maritime strategy

28 Jul 2025

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) welcomes the opportunity to contribute through this call for evidence to the development of the Industrial Maritime Strategy. Ports are enablers of the maritime industry and as such contribute to the decarbonisation of that sector by i.e. investing in Onshore Power Supply and preparing the ground for the uptake of new types of fuel by the maritime industry. Supporting Europe's maritime industry means supporting European ports. The Industrial Maritime Strategy should therefore be developed hand in hand with the European Ports Strategy. ESPO has submitted its position on the latter on 23 July 2025. This position can be found as an annex to the attached document that explains the enabling role of ports for the maritime industry and the many challenges (and recommendations to overcome these) ports encounter when taking up this role.
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European Sea Ports Organisation calls for simplified port regulations

23 Jul 2025
Topic — The European Union is developing a comprehensive strategy for its port sector.
Message — ESPO seeks simplification of existing laws instead of adding new regulatory constraints. The strategy should provide financial support for ports managing new energy and security roles. They also demand better access to the power grid and faster permit approvals.123
Why — This would reduce reporting burdens and secure funding for non-commercial public interest projects.45
Impact — Nearby non-EU ports could lose traffic if transhipment rules are revised to prevent leakage.6
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European Ports Demand ETS Revenue Earmarking and Global Alignment

7 Jul 2025
Topic — This consultation evaluates the EU Emissions Trading System for maritime and aviation sectors.
Message — ESPO urges aligning the EU ETS with global frameworks and adopting lifecycle fuel assessments. They request simplified compliance and measures to stop shipping traffic rerouting to non-EU ports. Finally, they demand that carbon revenues be dedicated to maritime and port infrastructure.123
Why — Earmarked funding helps ports finance capital-intensive green projects and protects their competitiveness.45
Impact — National governments lose discretionary control over carbon revenues if funds are specifically ring-fenced.6
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European Sea Ports Urge Funding for Scaling Green Tech

4 Jul 2025
Topic — This consultation evaluates the effectiveness and operational design of the EU Innovation Fund.
Message — ESPO wants the fund to support scaling technologies and include basic port infrastructure in decisions. They also request transparent rules and technical assistance for complex applications.123
Why — This would mitigate high financial risks and help bridge the massive port investment gap.45
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European ports demand fast-track status to accelerate industrial decarbonisation

4 Jul 2025
Topic — A legislative initiative to accelerate industrial decarbonisation and boost Europe's economic competitiveness.
Message — ESPO recommends designating port areas as Net Zero Acceleration Valleys to streamline permitting. They also want environmental assessments to prioritize long-term gains over temporary construction impacts.12
Why — Streamlined rules would help ports unlock billions in necessary infrastructure and modernization investments.34
Impact — Environmental groups may see local ecological protections weakened by 'overriding public interest' status.5
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Meeting with Magda Kopczynska (Director-General Mobility and Transport)

4 Jul 2025 · Tour d'horizon of ports-related policies

Meeting with Henrik Nielsen (Director Migration and Home Affairs) and

1 Jul 2025 · Entry/Exit System state of play and next steps

Meeting with Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Commissioner) and

1 Jul 2025 · Strategic Dialogue on the EU Port Strategy

Meeting with Beatriz Yordi (Director Climate Action) and FEPORT and

26 Jun 2025 · ETS extension to maritime & IMO developments

Meeting with Jo De Cock (Head of Unit Migration and Home Affairs)

16 Jun 2025 · HOME presentation of the European Ports Alliance Public-Private Partnership

Meeting with Roberts Zīle (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and UNIFE

10 Jun 2025 · Military Mobility

Meeting with Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Commissioner) and

7 May 2025 · Exchange of views on the upcoming EU Ports Strategy

Meeting with Tudor Constantinescu (Principal Adviser Energy)

30 Apr 2025 · ESPO and DG ENER exchanged views on the role of maritime ports for the clean energy transition in the Clean Industrial Deal, the upcoming Port Strategy and the Grid Package in preparation

Meeting with Tom Berendsen (Member of the European Parliament)

25 Apr 2025 · Port policy and strategy

Meeting with Torsten Klimke (Head of Unit Mobility and Transport)

24 Apr 2025 · Agenda of the upcoming ESPO Conference

Meeting with Francisco Joaquin Gaztelu Mezquiriz (Director Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf)

23 Apr 2025 · Introductory meeting

Meeting with Georgia Papagianni (Cabinet of Commissioner Dubravka Šuica), Raül Hernández Sagrera (Cabinet of Commissioner Dubravka Šuica)

25 Mar 2025 · Introductory meeting with ESPO.

Meeting with Moumen Hamdouch (Head of Unit Mobility and Transport)

24 Mar 2025 · Exchange of views on the upcoming initiative on a Communication on a Sustainable Transport Investment Plan

Meeting with Fotini Ioannidou (Director Mobility and Transport) and

17 Mar 2025 · Exchange of views on EU Ports Policy

Meeting with Tudor Constantinescu (Principal Adviser Energy)

19 Feb 2025 · Exchange of views on the new Commission's priorities, particularly regarding the role and importance of port authorities in the energy transition and hydrogen.

ESPO Urges Integrated Approach for European Oceans Pact

14 Feb 2025
Topic — The consultation seeks to create a holistic vision for EU ocean policies and sustainability.
Message — ESPO requests an integrated approach that aligns with existing EU port and industrial strategies. They stress the importance of Maritime Spatial Planning to safeguard navigation lanes for shipping.12
Why — Safeguarding navigation lanes protects the strategic role of ports as gateways for trade.34
Impact — Competing sectors like offshore energy may see restricted growth in crowded port access areas.5
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Response to Establishing a list of “neighbouring container transhipment ports” for the FuelEU Maritime Regulation

6 Feb 2025

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) supports the FuelEU Maritime Regulations goal of decarbonizing shipping but remains concern that it creates risks of carbon and business leakage. The rule excluding non-EU transshipment ports from ports of call status is seen as insufficient, as it still places EU ports at a disadvantage, allowing shipping lines to reroute through non-EU ports to avoid compliance costs. It therefore proposes a number of measures to better prevent evasion. More details can be found in the attached ESPO response to this call.
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Meeting with Fotini Ioannidou (Director Mobility and Transport) and

27 Jan 2025 · ESPO views on EU Port Strategy

Meeting with Anne Bergenfelt (Cabinet of Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas)

21 Jan 2025 · Exchange of views on ports priorities and ports policy and introduction of the organisation.

Meeting with Christophe Clergeau (Member of the European Parliament) and WindEurope and

14 Jan 2025 · SEARICA

Meeting with Raphaël Glucksmann (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

18 Dec 2024 · Foreign Investments Screening Regulation

Meeting with Svenja Hahn (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur for opinion) and American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union and

11 Dec 2024 · Revision of the EUs Foreign Direct Investment Screening mechanism

Meeting with Markus Ferber (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur for opinion)

10 Oct 2024 · Revision of the foreign direct investment (FDI) screening regulation

Meeting with Lukas Sieper (Member of the European Parliament) and Netzwerk Europäischer Eisenbahnen e. V.

10 Sept 2024 · Networking exchange

Meeting with Adam Romanowski (Cabinet of Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič), Aleksandra Baranska (Cabinet of Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič)

30 May 2024 · Decarbonization of ports

Meeting with Maximilian Strotmann (Cabinet of Commissioner Johannes Hahn)

13 May 2024 · digital transformation, innovation, network industries, public-private cooperation, interoperability, single market support

Meeting with Magda Kopczynska (Director-General Mobility and Transport)

19 Apr 2024 · ESPO’s Memorandum on the priorities of the next Commission

Response to Guidance to facilitate the designation of renewables acceleration areas

23 Feb 2024

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the call for evidence on guidance on designating renewables acceleration areas which will be provided by the Commission as part of the revised Renewable Energy Directive. Overall, Europes seaports welcome the recently revised Renewable Energy Directive 2023/2413. Progressing fast on the energy transition is a must and the deployment of renewable energy is crucial to make Europe less energy dependent from third countries and to increase Europes security of supply by increasing domestic renewable energy sources production. We would like to stress the need for a harmonised implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive and its delegated acts across the different Member States to safeguard a level playing field and transparent investment climate. Being at the crossroads of supply chains as well as being hubs on energy and blue economy, ports are instrumental in making the energy transition happen. Many projects are developing; however, recent economic factors and geopolitical developments are increasing the pressure on existing projects in terms of economic viability (both CAPEX and OPEX) and in some cases resulting in delays or even cancellations. Facilitating the permitting process for renewable energy projects will be essential to allow ports to play their role. Please find enclosed the complete contribution of ESPO to the Commission's call for evidence.
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Meeting with Caroline Nagtegaal (Member of the European Parliament) and Transport and Environment (European Federation for Transport and Environment) and

13 Feb 2024 · EU ETS Maritime

Meeting with Kathleen Van Brempt (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

3 Oct 2023 · EU Port Strategy (APA)

Meeting with Bergur Løkke Rasmussen (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

25 Sept 2023 · European Port Strategy

ESPO demands stricter rules to stop maritime ETS evasion

18 Sept 2023
Topic — Defining non-EU transhipment ports where carbon tax rules apply to prevent evasion.
Message — ESPO requests lowering the 65% threshold used to identify ports where ships might evade carbon taxes. They urge the Commission to monitor new port investments and infrastructure capacity to stop route changes.12
Why — These changes would protect the competitiveness of EU ports and prevent the loss of shipping traffic.34
Impact — European maritime hubs risk losing jobs and strategic oversight of international supply chains.5
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ESPO urges support for port-based hydrogen infrastructure projects

5 Sept 2023
Topic — Strategic roadmap to double European Hydrogen Valleys and increase renewable hydrogen production.
Message — ESPO requests the Commission recognize ports as strategic hubs for hydrogen production. They call for funding covering the whole supply chain, including last-mile connections. The organization also urges the EU to simplify access to financial incentives.123
Why — Ports would attract new industries and secure funding for critical energy infrastructure.45
Impact — Ports in some Member States could lose investment to competitors offering better subsidies.67
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European ports demand maritime focus in new Innovation Fund

4 Aug 2023
Topic — Revision of the EU Innovation Fund to implement changes from the ETS Directive.
Message — ESPO wants the fund to prioritize projects that decarbonize the maritime sector, particularly on-shore power supply. They also request that maritime experts be involved in setting specific award criteria for funding calls.12
Why — Ports would receive subsidies for both construction and long-term operating costs.3
Impact — Highly innovative startups may lose funding to established technologies that are being scaled.4
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Response to Evaluation and review of the Regulation concerning the screening of foreign direct investments

10 Jul 2023

In light of the ongoing evaluation and revision of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Screening Regulation, the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback and urges the Commission to take into account the following points: 1. ESPO underlines the importance of safeguarding Europes open investment environment. The port sector is highly capital intensive. Over the last decades, ports have benefitted from substantial investment from outside the European Union, contributing to the development and competitiveness of Europes ports. Only with sufficient investments be it European or foreign European ports will be able to retain their competitive position, to progress as fast as possible towards meeting the Green Deal ambitions and enhancing Europes resilience. Ports in Europe have over the years also been attracting a variety of investors and operators in the port in line with European legislation (including the Port Services Regulation ((EU) 2017/352)). As such, while ESPO welcomes the European Union to take measures to strengthen the resilience and protection of Europes critical infrastructure, the port sector believes that having an open and attractive investment environment should remain one of the basic principles of Europes Trade policy. 2. A harmonised approach towards screening of FDIs is needed across all EU Member States, to ensure a level playing field within Europe. After two and a half years of full application of the FDI Screening Regulation, not all Member States have a national screening mechanism in place. Moreover, the national screening mechanisms that have been set up reveal deviating approaches towards screening FDIs, including in terms of definitions, scope and procedural aspects. Such differences among EU Member should be addressed when revising the EU framework, in order to ensure equal rules and measures apply throughout Europe. ESPO is therefore in favour of making the FDI mechanism mandatory in all Member States and believes certain aspects of the 2019 Directive, in particular the scope, could be further harmonised in view of having a level playing field between the different national mechanisms. 3. A revised EU framework for screening FDIs should ensure that Europes critical infrastructures are treated equally and are subject to the same set of rules. The recently adopted Resilience of Critical Entities Directive (2022/2557/EU) designates European ports, along with other types of critical infrastructures including in the areas of transport, energy and digital infrastructure, as critical infrastructure. ESPO highly welcomes this recognition of ports as being of vital importance to Europes society and economy. In order to ensure a level playing field and provide for legal certainty, ESPO believes it is of high importance that Europe adopts a coherent screening approach. Such approach should avoid an isolated regime for ports and should ensure that critical port infrastructure is subject to the same set of rules applicable to other critical infrastructures in Europe. 4. ESPO believes that legal certainty, confidentiality and clear and consistent timeframes are paramount in any screening mechanism, in order to ensure that Europe remains an attractive place to invest in ports and that those signals are clear to investors. Screening processes should be clear and objective on the basis of concrete and qualitative assessment criteria. Authorities should employ sufficient staff in order to allow for thorough but swiftly screening processes. Screening processes when ongoing should take place in a confidential manner.
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Meeting with Tom Berendsen (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

6 Jul 2023 · Port strategy - discussion with ESPO board

ESPO calls for supply chain inclusion in Net-Zero Act

22 Jun 2023
Topic — This consultation evaluates measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem.
Message — The organization believes net-zero technologies can only be enhanced if the supply chain is also enabled. They request easier permitting for new infrastructure and recognition of these investments as sustainable.123
Why — This would improve the sector's global competitiveness and help achieve the EU's climate goals.4
Impact — Certain Member States could suffer from an uneven playing field created by eased state aid rules.5
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Meeting with Tom Berendsen (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

2 Jun 2023 · Panel speaker at conference - European port strategy

Meeting with Kathleen Van Brempt (Member of the European Parliament)

1 Jun 2023 · Maritime Port Strategy (APA)

Meeting with Kathleen Van Brempt (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

23 May 2023 · Maritime Port Strategy

European Sea Ports urge inclusion of dredging in EU Taxonomy

2 May 2023
Topic — The EU is defining which economic activities qualify as environmentally sustainable for investors.
Message — ESPO demands that dredging be recognized as a sustainable activity essential for port operations. They also call for the inclusion of short-sea shipping and specific climate adaptation measures.123
Why — This would allow ports to access green financing for essential maintenance and resilience.4
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Meeting with César Luena (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

12 Apr 2023 · Nature Restoration Law

Meeting with Roxana Lesovici (Cabinet of Commissioner Adina Vălean)

22 Mar 2023 · Accompany Commissioner's meeting

ESPO calls for clearer rules on foreign subsidy investigations

6 Mar 2023
Topic — This consultation details procedural rules for addressing distortive foreign subsidies in the internal market.
Message — ESPO requests that the Commission clarify the criteria used to assess market distortions and the definition of an undertaking. They also ask for transparency regarding indicators used in the assessment of foreign subsidies.123
Why — Clearer rules would provide legal certainty for investors and maintain Europe's competitive position.45
Impact — Foreign companies currently benefiting from unfair subsidies would lose their competitive advantage.6
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Meeting with Roxana Lesovici (Cabinet of Commissioner Adina Vălean)

8 Feb 2023 · Discussion on maritime

Meeting with Pablo Fabregas Martinez (Cabinet of Commissioner Adina Vălean)

8 Nov 2022 · Delta & Port Congress North Sea Port

Meeting with Elsi Katainen (Member of the European Parliament)

8 Nov 2022 · TEN-T

Meeting with Peter Liese (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and European Environmental Bureau and

14 Oct 2022 · ETS

European ports demand stricter oversight of shipping alliances

3 Oct 2022
Topic — EU evaluation of competition exemptions for cooperation agreements in liner shipping.
Message — ESPO calls for clear guidance for all shipping agreements and increased monitoring. They suggest creating a body to detect disruptive behavior and assess market power.123
Why — Closer monitoring protects ports from excessive pressure regarding infrastructure and service negotiations.45
Impact — Large shipping lines would face tougher scrutiny of their market share and expansion.67
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Meeting with Isabel García Muñoz (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

19 Sept 2022 · TEN-T Revision

Meeting with Dominique Riquet (Member of the European Parliament) and Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies and AEROSPACE VALLEY

20 Jun 2022 · Infrastructures de transport

Meeting with Jörgen Warborn (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

13 Jun 2022 · Sjöfartsfrågor

Meeting with Daniel Mes (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans)

3 Jun 2022 · Panel debate on ports in the energy transition

Meeting with Jörgen Warborn (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

16 May 2022 · Sjöfartsfrågor

Meeting with Daniel Mes (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans)

17 Mar 2022 · Fit-for-55 for ports

Meeting with Elena Kountoura (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and Bureau Européen des Unions de Consommateurs

15 Feb 2022 · AFIR

Meeting with Susana Solís Pérez (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

12 Jan 2022 · Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation

Response to Revision of Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive

15 Nov 2021

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) fully supports the European Green Deal ambition and the 2030 and 2050 goals enshrined in the EU Climate Law. The transport sector as a whole has an important role in helping to lower EU greenhouse gas emissions, which should be achieved whilst guaranteeing a level playing field with other modes and avoiding a modal shift. The greening of the shipping sector is a priority. The development and deployment of new fuels and energy solutions for the maritime sector is the most important pillar of this greening process. The energy transition in the shipping sector will require investments on the ship side but will also imply significant investments in infrastructure on the landside, in particular in ports. Any legislative framework that regulates the supply of clean fuel infrastructure for shipping and sets requirements for ports must take the lack of a long-term perspective, as well as the multi-fuel future, into account. In order to avoid stranded assets with no results in terms of emission reduction, EU legislation should provide a future-proof legislative framework that provides legal and investment certainty for ports. ESPO truly believes that a goal-based approach which respects the polluter pays-principle would deliver best in terms of effectively reducing emissions, whilst maintaining a level playing field and avoiding the creation of stranded assets. ESPO recognises that the greening of the shipping sector requires a review of the current Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Directive, and welcomes in that respect a Proposal for a Regulation on the deployment of Alternative Fuel Infrastructure (hereinafter: ‘AFIR’). Any requirement to provide shore-side electricity (SSE) in ports must be matched by corresponding requirements for the vessels to use this infrastructure, where ships should connect to SSE as soon as possible. In this respect, Europe’s ports very much welcome the Proposal on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport and amending Directive 2009/16/EC (FuelEU Maritime). The proposal is necessary to match the available and future supply with demand by requiring vessels to use shore-side electricity (SSE) infrastructure at berth. Full alignment between AFIR and Fuel EU Maritime is key. In order to green shipping in an effective way, the AFIR proposal cannot be considered in isolation. A coordinated approach to match the supply of infrastructure with the demand for clean fuels and technologies is needed. Europe’s ports welcome that the review of the current AFIR proposal is accompanied by provisions in the new FuelEU Maritime proposal, which requires vessels to use shore-side electricity infrastructure at berth. ESPO calls for shore-side electricity where it makes sense3. SSE is an important tool and part of the solution for greening the shipping sector. Even if the emissions at berth only count for 6% of overall shipping emissions4, it is an important technology to reduce GHG emissions in ports. However, SSE should not be seen as an end in itself. Ports take into consideration that other existing and potential future technologies which tackle emissions at berth and during navigation could also be used instead of shore side electricity. Therefore, to ensure both a rapid deployment of SSE and avoid a waste of public funds, Europe’s ports must be able to prioritise the deployment of SSE where it makes sense in terms of delivering cost-effective reductions of greenhouse gas emissions at berth. In this respect, several different factors are of importance: shipping segment, regularity of calls (frequent users), geographical location, etc. ESPO and its members look forward to further discussing these proposals with EU decision-makers in view of agreeing an AFIR and FuelEU package which delivers in the most effective way the reduction of maritime GHG emissions through the deployment and use of alternative fuels.
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Response to FuelEU Maritime

8 Nov 2021

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) fully supports the European Green Deal ambition and the 2030 and 2050 goals enshrined in the EU Climate Law. The transport sector as a whole has an important role in helping to lower EU greenhouse gas emissions, which should be achieved whilst guaranteeing a level playing field with other modes and avoiding a modal shift. The greening of the shipping sector is a priority. The development and deployment of new fuels and energy solutions for the maritime sector is the most important pillar of this greening process. The energy transition in the shipping sector will require investments on the ship side but will also imply significant investments in infrastructure on the landside, in particular in ports. Any legislative framework that regulates the supply of clean fuel infrastructure for shipping and sets requirements for ports must take this lack of a long-term perspective, as well as the multi-fuel future, into account. In order to avoid stranded assets with no results in terms of emission reduction, EU legislation should provide a future-proof legislative framework that provides legal and investment certainty for ports. ESPO truly believes that a goal-based approach which respects the polluter pays-principle would deliver best in terms of effectively reducing emissions, whilst maintaining a level playing field and avoiding the creation of stranded assets. ESPO recognises that the greening of the shipping sector requires a review of the current Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Directive, and welcomes in that respect a Proposal for a Regulation on the deployment of Alternative Fuel Infrastructure (hereinafter: ‘AFIR’). Any requirement to provide shore-side electricity (SSE) in ports must be matched by corresponding requirements for the vessels to use this infrastructure, where ships should connect to SSE as soon as possible. In this respect, Europe’s ports very much welcome the Proposal on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport and amending Directive 2009/16/EC (FuelEU Maritime). The proposal is necessary to match the available and future supply with demand by requiring vessels to use shore-side electricity (SSE) infrastructure at berth. In order to green shipping in an effective way, the AFIR proposal cannot be considered in isolation. A coordinated approach to match the supply of infrastructure with the demand for clean fuels and technologies is needed. Europe’s ports welcome that the review of the current AFIR proposal is accompanied by provisions in the new FuelEU Maritime proposal, which requires vessels to use shore-side electricity infrastructure at berth. ESPO calls for shore-side electricity where it makes sense. SSE is an important tool and part of the solution for greening the shipping sector. Even if the emissions at berth only count for 6% of overall shipping emissions, it is an important technology to reduce GHG emissions in ports. However, SSE should not be seen as an end in itself. Ports take into consideration that other existing and potential future technologies which tackle emissions at berth and during navigation could also be used instead of shore side electricity. Therefore, to ensure both a rapid deployment of SSE and avoid a waste of public funds, Europe’s ports must be able to prioritise the deployment of SSE where it makes sense in terms of delivering cost-effective reductions of greenhouse gas emissions at berth. In this respect, several different factors are of importance: shipping segment, regularity of calls (frequent users), geographical location, etc. Ships that regularly call at the same berth and have a long stay at the quay are for instance ideal candidates for using OPS. ESPO and its members look forward to further discussing these proposals with EU decision-makers in view of agreeing an AFIR and FuelEU package which delivers in the most effective way the reduction of maritime GHG emissions.
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Response to Updating the EU Emissions Trading System

8 Nov 2021

Ahead of a more detailed European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) position that specifically considers the proposal for a maritime EU ETS, European ports welcomes the proposal as part of the new “Fit for 55”-proposals as an important first step towards reaching the European Green Deal ambition and the 2030 and 2050 goals enshrined in the EU Climate Law. Attached, we also provide our general criteria for a market-based measure that was submitted as part of the development of the EU ETS proposal. For Europe’s ports it is essential to ultimately achieve a policy that is effective in reducing emissions, is coherent, keeps an eye on the competitiveness of Europe’s port sector, is future-proof and does not create stranded assets or additional administrative burden for ports. It should take the diversity of the European port and maritime sector into due consideration. The following key aspects have to be considered: Efficiency in terms of emissions reductions. ESPO calls for an efficient policy that truly delivers in terms of reducing emissions, avoids stranded assets and is future-proof. Safeguarding the competitiveness of the European port and maritime sector. Appropriate solutions will have to be found to the risks of deviation of certain EU port calls to ports outside Europe, linked to certain proposals in the package, certainly if these happen without any gains in terms of emissions (carbon leakage). Avoiding administrative burden for the port. To remain competitive and efficient, the Fit for 55-package should not lead to unduly complicated calculations, compliance procedures and administrative burden connected to port calls in Europe. Ports in Europe should not become green accountants for the shipping sector. Providing the funding for 55% emission reductions. Overall, the Fit for 55-package can only deliver if it is accompanied by sufficient support in terms of EU funding for investments in alternative fuels infrastructure, bunkering and production capacity, and retrofitting of existing ships.
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Response to Criteria for determining that a ship produces reduced quantities of waste

4 Nov 2021

European ports support the implementation of the Port Reception Facilities Directive (‘PRF’), which sets out rules for a dedicated EU system to control the delivery of all waste from ships to ports in order to avoid discharges of waste at sea and “waste tourism” practices. Ship waste has been part of the top 10 environmental priorities of European ports since 2013, and is the environmental indicator monitored by the highest share of ports. As a matter of principle, vessels should handle their waste, including cargo residues, in a correct and sustainable manner. They should be able to demonstrate that they take measures to prevent ships’ waste, and that waste has been separated, stored and discharged in a correct manner. European ports support the goals of the PRF Directive, and welcome the draft implementing regulation. ESPO has been contributing to the implementation of the Directive through its role as vice-chair of the European Sustainable Shipping Forum (ESSF) subgroup on Waste from Ships. Specifically, ESPO has assisted the European Commission (DG MOVE) in the development of an implementing regulation for defining the criteria for determining that a ship produces reduced quantities of waste and manages its waste in a sustainable and environmentally sound manner. To ensure a workable implementation of the PRF, ESPO believes that the draft implementing regulation should; - specify which segregation method should be applied by vessels, and ensure that only vessels that go beyond existing legal requirements should qualify for a waste fee reduction, - clarify exactly what is meant by ‘sustainable’ purchasing policies, - state that vessels are responsible for proving compliance with sustainable waste management criteria, - specify that accredited third-party verifiers can be used to demonstrate living up to mandatory criteria, - consider the development of a common European database where ships who live up to one or both of the mandatory criteria are listed, - be complemented with additional guidance to assist ship operators and ports in the implementation of the criteria - state that ports are still free to reward other good practices and criteria not listed in the Annex where appropriate. It is up to individual vessels to prove that they qualify for a reduction on the indirect waste fee before arrival to the port, or when calling on the port. In principle, a few specific voluntary certification schemes as outlined in the Annex should not be included as the means to demonstrate compliance with mandatory criteria. Accredited third-party verifiers would be the easiest way to check, in a harmonised way, whether vessels are living up to the criteria. The various private initiatives suggested as suitable verifiers in the Annex for the implementing legislation are oftentimes not appropriate for the specific waste type. Therefore, these should only be given as suggested certifiers, or removed from the list. In practical terms, ESPO would support a solution where the European Commission together with relevant dedicated agencies such as the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) develops a common European database where ships who live up to one or both of the mandatory criteria are listed. This could be a standalone database in line with the IMO database on ballast water management systems, or an integrated part of existing databases such as SafeSeaNet or THETIS. Vessels could join the list by getting a certificate of compliance by an accredited verifier lasting for a certain time period. Port authorities could then consult this database. ESPO would welcome the development of hands-on guidance to accompany the implementing regulation, where clear advice and principles for the certification of mandatory criteria, as well as for the verification of ports of these criteria is provided.
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Response to Contingency plan for transport

27 Sept 2021

Please find attached the contribution of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) to the development of a EU Contingency plan for transport.
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Response to Proposal for a Regulation - Regional and urban Policy

19 Apr 2021

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) would like to address three main points in response to the Commission’s proposal for a Regulation establishing the Brexit Adjustment Reserve: 1)the importance of maritime transport and seaports for EU-UK trade, 2)the infrastructure needs in seaports to adapt to new connections and/or new procedures 3)the reference period should not punish first movers.</DocRef> 1) In 2016, 75% of the goods traded between the UK and the EU-27 were transported by maritime shipping, with a predominance of products transported by lorries on RO-RO ships (80%).The Customs Union and Single Market allow this roll-on/roll-off vehicle traffic (RO-RO) to call at a port without prior reservation, avoiding any congestion on the access roads to the ports and enabling businesses to rely upon just-in-time logistics. Following Brexit, maritime points of entry with significant UK trade flows are therefore especially pressured to prepare and adapt their procedures and infrastructures to the new requirements. The transport sector is crucial for the trade with the UK and one of the most directly impacted sectors by the withdrawal of the UK from the Union. About three quarters of the goods traded between the UK and the EU-27 were transported by maritime shipping and consequently pass through ports, which demonstrates the importance of preparedness in European ports. Therefore, transport in general and ports as the maritime points of entry in particular, should be explicitly mentioned among the eligible sectors. 2) Ports have organised themselves on the principle of the free flow of goods. Due to the introduction of border controls, ports had to make investments in order to accommodate the increase of border inspections, to avoid congestion and to facilitate as much as possible the smooth flow of goods in the port in the future. Furthermore, as the UK left the Customs Union, goods transported between the UK and the EU changed status, from Union goods to non-Union goods. This change of status means that the amount of formalities which have to be to be declared to border inspection authorities has greatly increased. In this context, Brexit affected ports have in the last years invested in IT solutions, physical infrastructure (for instance extra parking spaces for lorries), and information campaigns for stakeholders. In addition, new maritime connections will be necessary to ensure connectivity between Ireland and mainland Europe, as recognised in Regulation (EU) 2019/495. These new connections often require infrastructure investments. 3) In European ports with substantial cargo and passenger traffic flows from and to the UK, adaptive measures to manage the anticipated effects of the UK’s withdrawal from the Union have been carried out since Article 50 was triggered by the UK. These measures include investments in both procedures and infrastructure in the affected ports. Measures taken before 1 July 2020 should be eligible under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, in order not to punish first-movers.
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Meeting with Rachel Smit (Cabinet of Commissioner Adina Vălean)

30 Mar 2021 · Meeting to prepare the Commissioner's intervention to EsPo's event.

Response to Revision of the guidelines for trans-European Energy infrastructure

2 Mar 2021

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) welcomes the opportunity to comment on the proposal establishing the guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure. ESPO believes that the proposal provides a better legislative framework for European energy projects to achieve decarbonisation goals by designating infrastructure of importance for ports eligible for funding as Projects of Common Interest (PCIs). The move away from geographical corridors to an approach including all Member States also enables all relevant ports to fulfil their role as green energy hubs and key partners in the energy transition. Nevertheless, ESPO believes that the proposal fails to address some key issues in European energy infrastructure. In particular, ESPO emphasises that the Commission should recognise the particular needs of the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy. Hydrogen production and usage will differ in key regards to natural gas: for the near future hydrogen production will be at relatively small scale and consumed locally. This has important implications for the need to recognise and support import infrastructure and cross-border relevance of hydrogen projects. Please find attached ESPO's full response.
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Response to Revision of EU Ambient Air Quality legislation

13 Jan 2021

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) and its members welcome Europe’s ambition to be the world’s first net zero emission area by 2050. Achieving the ambitions of the European Green Deal for 2030 and 2050 should be the driver of EU policy. This includes the goal of zero pollution by 2050. ESPO supports an assessment, and if motivated, a revision of the Ambient Air Quality Directives. Air quality has been the top environmental priority of European ports since 2013. The successive introduction of new legislation and its emergence as a priority issue of concern for citizens of port cities and urban areas in general help explain this prioritisation. It is important for European ports that the Air Quality Directives are fit for purpose and properly implemented on the national and local level. Air pollution can also negatively affect water quality in ports and urban areas. To further enhance the effectiveness of EU air quality legislation, European ports would support some alignment of EU legislation with existing and forthcoming scientific guidelines where appropriate. Notably, forthcoming legislation based on the Green Deal ambitions can be expected to deliver additional air quality improvements on the European level. When it concerns the monitoring and attribution of air pollution, ESPO supports further efforts to monitor and disaggregate the various emissions in ports to quantify the relative contribution of various stakeholders operating in the port area. According to the 2020 ESPO Environmental Report, monitoring of air quality in ports has increased by 15% since 2013, and around two-thirds of European ports are currently monitoring air pollution as part of their environmental management. With the necessary EU legislation in place to improve air quality, increased monitoring efforts should be supported and facilitated on the local, national and European level. Robust and harmonised monitoring is fundamental to the comparability and correct attribution of emissions and should serve to aid evidence-based policymaking and compliance efforts on the local and national levels. As part of this work, ESPO agrees that there is scope to better support local authorities in achieving cleaner air through strengthening air quality monitoring, modelling and plans jointly with ports and other maritime stakeholders.   Achieving zero pollution in port areas through the shared commitment and involvement of all stakeholders in the port ecosystem. Europe’s ports are committed to helping improve air quality and are playing their part in helping the shipping sector go green. Achieving this will require close cooperation between ports and shipping lines. As with the impact of traffic and other industrial activities, air quality has become a key determinant of public “acceptance” of port activity in the years to come. With more than 90% of European ports being urban ports, it is no surprise that port managing bodies have this concern high on their agendas. European ports are already helping improve air quality in port areas. There are several ways in which ports are mitigating air pollution in port areas. Environmentally differentiated port fees for ships that go beyond regulatory standards are applied by more than half of the surveyed ports. This value has constantly increased since 2017. 55% of ports providing environmentally differentiated port fees provide incentives for ships that produce reduced quantities of air pollution (NOx, SOx and particulate matter). European ports have also committed to green their own operations and activities within their own remit. Reducing emissions at berth is crucial to improve air quality. In order to further improve air quality along waterways and in urban areas, it is necessary to achieve significant reductions of air pollution from shipping. In 2020, the ESPO Environmental Report found that 58% of surveyed ports provide OPS at one or more berths.
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Response to Revision of Regulation on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T)

18 Dec 2020

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) welcomes the opportunity to give feedback to the Inception Impact Assessment of the Revision of the Regulation on Union Guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). ESPO fully supports the objective to make all transport modes sustainable and to shift towards more sustainable solutions. The development of the Trans-European Transport Network should be closely coordinated with the European energy and telecommunication networks to enable and maximise synergies between the sectors. For ESPO, it is time to put the maritime dimension of the TEN-T network on equal footing with the land-based network. Facilitating Short Sea Shipping connections will be instrumental for completing the TEN-T network and enhancing Europe’s connectivity in a sustainable way. In this regard, short sea shipping should be equally considered as a sustainable transport mode, next to rail and inland waterway transport. Moreover, European ports can serve as enablers of re- and near-shoring of production, as enablers of more diversified supply chains and as locations for strategic reserves. Motorways of the Sea (MoS) and Short Sea Shipping can accompany this development as flexible solutions for the necessary new transport connections and as a resilient mode in times of border crossing restrictions. Directive 2014/94/EU on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure (the AFID) aims to facilitate the use of alternative fuels in the transport sector by mandating infrastructure for specific fuels. European ports are already investing in LNG and OPS infrastructure to meet the requirements of the AFID. European ports recognise the importance of LNG as a transition fuel and consider OPS as an important pillar of the future energy mix. However, there is still uncertainty as to which clean fuels will be most suitable for each segment of shipping. ESPO therefore believes that any new legislation should allow the uptake of a variety of clean fuels, rather than prescribing specific fuels for shipping. A technology neutral approach is an absolute prerequisite to limit the risk of stranded assets and to support innovation in different promising technologies. In addition to investments in hard infrastructure, investments to meet the challenges for environmental sustainability and to enable the digitalisation of the transport sector, new connectivity needs and an increased resilience of the transport sector will have to be addressed. If the TEN-T revision adds new requirements, the EU instruments should reflect and adequately support these additional obligations, both for the core and comprehensive network. In this regard, the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) instrument is an absolute prerequisite for completing the TEN-T network. ESPO regrets the cuts which have been made to transport-related EU funding instruments during the negotiations of the MFF and NGEU. In relation to the hinterland transport, many ports set modal split objectives and/or invest in sustainable hinterland transport modes to facilitate the decarbonisation of the supply chain and to reduce congestion around the port area. An important share of rail and inland waterway transport being seaport-related, ports play an important role in enhancing the modal shift. Efficient last-mile connections between the terminals and the national transport network are key for well-functioning sustainable hinterland transport. In the context of sustainable transport, pipelines, used for transport within and beyond the port area, should also be recognised as a sustainable mode of transport when reviewing the TEN-T guidelines. State of the art technological solutions in seaports can bring high added-value to the efficient functioning of the entire logistics chain. In order to facilitate multimodal transport chains and enhancing the “network” rationale, more emphasis needs to be placed on the multimodal connecting points.
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Response to Climate change mitigation and adaptation taxonomy

18 Dec 2020

Please find attached the European Sea Ports Organisation's (ESPO) feedback to the draft Delegated Act.
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Response to EU Single Window environment for customs

15 Dec 2020

Please find enclosed the contribution of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO).
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Response to Green Recovery for the Blue Economy (tentative)

4 Dec 2020

As the unique interface between land and sea, seaports are fundamental to the blue economy. Europe’s ports are essential nodes in the development and operations of different blue economy sectors, from maritime transport to coastal and maritime tourism, blue and offshore energy, fishing and aquaculture, shipbuilding and -repair facilities to the maritime circular economy. Seaports are the only point where maritime economic resources meet the wider economy. For these reasons, ESPO strongly believes the sustainable blue economy strategy must consider the important role of ports in the European blue economy. Enclosed you will find a position we have prepared in response to the roadmap on a new approach for a sustainable blue economy.
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Response to Updating the EU Emissions Trading System

20 Nov 2020

ESPO and European ports welcome Europe’s ambition to be the world’s first net zero emission area by 2050. Achieving the ambitions of the European Green Deal for 2030 and 2050 should be the driver of EU policy. This is especially true for the shipping sector, where finding the most effective ways to deliver on the Green Deal will require ambitious action on the European level. Given the international nature of the shipping sector, such regional measures must be coupled by a global perspective if market-based measures are to succeed. ESPO believes that any European proposals such as an Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), a levy or an innovation fund must be thoroughly examined in view of safeguarding the competitiveness of the EU port sector. At the same time, the ongoing IMO discussions on short-term measures illustrate the need for the EU to take the lead in maritime climate policy. As stated in the Valetta Declaration, well-connected and modern ports play a key role in supporting the greening of transport. In this context, European ports welcome the introduction of a market-based measure intended to significantly reduce emission reductions from shipping, where the focus of legislation should be on reducing total CO2 emissions in the shipping sector in the most effective way. Regardless of the exact market-based measure to be proposed, it should abide by a number of criteria in order to deliver on this overarching goal. The most important of these is that a market-based measure must deliver real and effective GHG reductions in the shipping sector, whilst revenues should be reinvested in the European maritime sector to enable the decarbonisation of shipping, and significant investments must be dedicated to achieving actual deployment and use of sustainable alternative fuels and designated infrastructure in ports. A potential market-based measure that delivers on our criteria is a dedicated European investment fund, which can be based on the revenues from a maritime EU ETS or an emission levy. The criteria are as follows: 1) A market-based measure must deliver real and effective GHG reductions in the shipping sector. 2) Revenues should be reinvested in the European maritime sector to enable the decarbonisation of shipping, and significant investments must be dedicated to achieving actual deployment and use of sustainable alternative fuels and designated infrastructure in ports. 3) A market-based measure must maintain and strengthen the regional and global competitiveness of the EU maritime sector and maintain the level playing field, especially when it comes to transhipments. 4) A market-based measure must avoid creating additional administrative burden for ports. Please find the full paper on ESPO criteria for market-based measures attached.
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Response to Port State control - Further improving safety, security and sustainability of maritime transport

20 Nov 2020

Please find attached the contribution of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO).
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Meeting with Daniel Mes (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans)

10 Nov 2020 · Speech at launch of ports environmental report

Meeting with Daniel Mes (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans)

19 Aug 2020 · Recovery in the waterborne sector

Meeting with Henrik Hololei (Director-General Mobility and Transport)

20 May 2020 · European Green Deal, recovery measures after COVID-19

Response to Revision of Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive

4 May 2020

Please find attached the response of ESPO to the consultation. Please find below a summary of the main points. The greening of the shipping sector is a priority for European ports and Europe’s ports are committed to playing their part in helping the shipping sector to make this transition. Close cooperation between ports and shipping lines is required. This cooperation is also largely dependent on decisions of energy producers, energy providers and cargo owners. European ports are diverse and there is no one approach which can be mandated for all ports. Instead, each port should develop a roadmap appropriate to its particular circumstances to prepare for the energy transition of shipping. European ports are very diverse in the markets they serve, the type of vessels they accommodate, geographical location, size, tasks and responsibilities. To help the transition of the shipping sector each European port should develop a roadmap featuring a detailed plan of pathways for facilitating the greening of the shipping sector. These roadmaps should take account of each port’s particular circumstances. As part of the roadmap, European port managing bodies should properly assess the need for investments in clean fuel infrastructure on the basis of concrete criteria including: The complete life cycle of the fuel including production and transportation up to the point of consumption; Emissions of NOx, SOx and PM in addition to GHG emissions; Safety of bunkering operations,the infrastructure and the product; Technical maturity of fuel (beyond showcase applications); The financial resources required to realise the necessary investments. Any new legislation should retain the current flexibility of AFID for any clean fuels or technologies which provide equivalent solutions. New legislation should allow the uptake of a variety of clean fuels, rather than prescribing specific fuels for shipping. A technology neutral approach is an absolute prerequisite to limit the risk of stranded assets and to support innovation in different promising technologies. For European ports, a goal-based approach with emission reduction standards accompanied by port roadmap is the best way to ensure that Europe’s greening objectives are achieved. As part of the scaling up and acceleration of the uptake of clean fuels for shipping, European ports are in favour of clarifying the concrete criteria for maritime fuels to be considered as “clean fuels”. A gradual approach should be developed to reduce emissions at berths with an initial focus on berths close to urban areas and a focus on particular segments such as cruise ships and ferries. But such an emission reduction standard at berth is in itself not sufficient to achieve the decarbonisation of shipping. Over time, the objective of zero emissions at berths is achievable. By 2030, CO2 emissions from ships at berth and in ports should be reduced by 50% on average and across all segments of shipping. Onshore Power Supply (OPS) should be encouraged as an important part of the solution. However, alternative solutions which achieve the same objectives should be encouraged and allowed. While ESPO is supportive of a policy framework that encourages investments in OPS and takes away the barriers for using OPS, it must be assessed case-by-case against other green solutions and must be seen in the context of the rapidly evolving zero-emission propulsion technologies (including hydrogen and ammonia). Any new measures or legislation at EU level regarding OPS should also allow alternative solutions with equivalent environmental benefits. LNG has been one of the compliant fuels for shipping to meet the 0.1% Sulphur cap in SECA areas (since 2015) and the overall 0.5% sulphur cap. Current LNG infrastructure can also be used for bio-LNG. EU support for LNG investments must continue at least during the period 2021-2027 in order to give legal certainty to planned investments and in order not to punish first movers.
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Response to FuelEU Maritime

24 Apr 2020

Please find attached the response of ESPO to the consultation.
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Response to Revision of the Energy Tax Directive

1 Apr 2020

The review of the Energy Taxation Directive must provide for a permanent and EU wide tax exemption for all clean fuels and clean sources of energy Under the current Energy Taxation Directive (2003/96/EC), a tax exemption can be provided only for OPS. Even for OPS though, a tax exemption is time-limited and Member States have to go through a burdensome administrative process at EU level before obtaining it. As a result, so far, only Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Spain have applied for and been provided with a temporary permit by the EU to apply a reduced rate of taxation to shore-side electricity for ships. ESPO believes that the review of the Energy Taxation Directive should support the uptake of all sustainable clean fuels, including OPS, by introducing a permanent tax exemption for all of them. In the long run, policy must aim at fair and just taxation, guaranteeing a level playing field between all modes of transport.
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Meeting with Adina-Ioana Vălean (Commissioner) and

17 Mar 2020 · EU ports

Meeting with Roxana Lesovici (Cabinet of Commissioner Adina Vălean)

30 Jan 2020 · courtesy meeting, Maritime transport

Response to Prolongation of the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation

19 Dec 2019

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the consultation on the Roadmap “Prolongation of the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation” and the Draft Regulation prolonging the Consortia BER. ESPO regrets the Commission’s proposal to prolong the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation without any changes until 25 April 2024. European ports reiterate their position, calling for more transparency on the current state of alliances and encouraging the Commission to continuously monitor the situation in view of the rapidly changing market. The nature of a sector specific exemption requires, in ESPO’s view, a close monitoring of and reporting on market developments, as well as ex-officio reviews of the existing cooperation agreements – both the ones falling under the BER and those falling outside the BER. The European Sea Ports Organisation resubmits its position paper in contribution to the current consultations.
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Meeting with Maria Asenius (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

23 Oct 2017 · Investment screening

Meeting with Friedrich-Nikolaus von Peter (Cabinet of Commissioner Violeta Bulc)

18 Oct 2017 · TEN-T, financing investments and multimodality.

Meeting with Alessandro Carano (Cabinet of Commissioner Violeta Bulc), Friedrich-Nikolaus von Peter (Cabinet of Commissioner Violeta Bulc)

2 Oct 2017 · Meeting with Mrs Ryckbost, Secretary General, and Mr Eugenio Quintieri, Policy Advisor, at the European Sea Ports Organisation

Response to Evaluation Energy Taxation Directive

25 Sept 2017

Submission from the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) to the public consultation on the Evaluation and Fitness Check Roadmap on the Energy Taxation Directive September 2017 Under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive, Onshore Power Supply (OPS) shall be installed as a priority in ports of the TEN-T Core Network, and in other ports, by the end 2025 unless there is no demand and the costs are disproportionate to the benefits, including environmental benefits. ESPO believes that a tax exemption for the use of shore-side electricity on an equal footing with the VAT exemption that is currently applicable to the electricity generated on board of ships would take away a great disadvantage of using OPS by leveling the playing field. Such an exemption would have a large impact on the use of OPS in ports. The average VAT rate for electricity in the different EU member States is 18,7%, with rates varying between 5 and 27% depending on Member State (please check https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/sites/taxation/files/resources/documents/taxation/vat/how_vat_works/rates/vat_rates_en.pdf).ESPO welcomes in that respect the Commission’s intention to take into account this issue in the Evaluation and fitness check of the Energy Taxation Directive. The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) was founded in 1993. It represents the port authorities, port associations and port administrations of the seaports of the 23 maritime Member States of the European Union and Norway. ESPO has also observer members in neighbouring countries to the EU. ESPO ensures that seaports have a clear voice in the European Union. The organisation promotes the common interests of its members throughout Europe and is also engaged in dialogue with European stakeholders in the Port and Maritime sector.
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Response to Reporting formalities for ships (European Maritime Single Window environment)

25 Aug 2017

Dear Madam, Sir, Please find attached ESPO's feedback on the Inception Impact Assesment. Kind regards
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Meeting with Andras Inotai (Cabinet of Vice-President Karmenu Vella)

18 Aug 2016 · Blue Growth, Cruise Tourism, Port Reception Facilities

Meeting with Henrik Hololei (Director-General Mobility and Transport)

21 Oct 2015 · port sector and ports regulation

Meeting with Violeta Bulc (Commissioner) and

16 Jun 2015 · Meeting Port Social Partners

Meeting with Violeta Bulc (Commissioner)

19 Jan 2015 · Meeting with ESPO

Meeting with Friedrich-Nikolaus von Peter (Cabinet of Commissioner Violeta Bulc)

13 Jan 2015 · Situation of European Ports