New EU rules to reduce port emissions need to be applied in a harmonised way if a level playing field is to be guaranteed, says the Federation of European Private Port Operators (FEPORT).
FEPORT warns that implementation of the EU’s emissions reduction plan, ‘Fit for 55’, and in particular the alternative fuels infrastructure regulations, needs to be applied consistently across all member states.
If, for example, in some member states, private port operators would be obliged to invest in shore-based power while in others the state would bear the whole cost, then this would create a non-level playing field, FEPORT argues.
Also on the agenda for discussion at FEPORT’s general assembly on 2 June at Saintes Maries de la Mer in the south of France were concerns over the possibility of cargo diversion to non-EU ports once the EU’s emissions trading system comes into force. FEPORT welcomes the move to monitor cargo diversion and propose measures if any impact is found.
FEPORT also welcomed the news that ETS revenues will be used in part to improve energy efficiency in ports but urged for clarity on tonnage tax.
“It is time that the EU Commission requires member states to apply EU rules regarding the scope of eligibility to tonnage tax,” said FEPORT president Gunther Bonz.
“FEPORT believes that the EU Commission which is the guardian of the treaty and of the equality of treatment between all economic sectors should restore a level playing field in terms of taxation within the maritime logistics chain,” he added.
