HE sea transport will have to payment for emissions starting in January greenhouse gases (GHG)responsible for global warming, as aviation already does, or also the most polluting energy sectors and industries, such as refineries, cement, steel and glass. Until today, the European Union (EU) had included the sector in the Community Emission Trading System (EU Emission Trading System) within the scope of exemption.
This measure motivated protests from the port sector and maritime logistics chainThis allows the practice to cause ships coming from America and Asia to stop at North African ports outside the EU to avoid an increase in costs.
More sustainable technologies
The new norm continues decarbonize the sector and accelerating the implementation of more sustainable technologies among shipping companies. The implementation is part of the European plan to achieve a 55% reduction in all emissions by 2030. In maritime transportation, the aim is to gradually reduce the emission intensity resulting from the fuels used from 2% to 80% in 2025. % by 2050.
The regulations include a special incentive regime that supports the adoption of renewable fuels of non-biological origin. Income generated by paying emissions will be reinvested Projects that support the decarbonization of the maritime sector.
train impulse
During processing, the regulations were revised to determine that only half of the emissions produced on routes connecting European ports to destinations outside the EU would be paid, while 100% would be taken into account on connections within the EU. The aim is to promote less polluting rail transport. However, the port sector states that, on the contrary, emissions will increase due to the preference of road transport within the EU.
Implementation will be gradual: next year ships over 5,000 tonnes (cargo ships, cruise ships, oil tankers, military ships and large yachts) will have to pay 40% of emissions; 70% of greenhouse gas emissions from connections within the EU in 2025 and 100% in 2026. This year, other pollutants will be included in the calculationsuch as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxides (N2O).
Location of ports
Its implementation also coincides with the gradual introduction into the European Union of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which requires imports of certain materials from countries where emissions are not taxed to be taxed once they enter the European Union. conditions and prevent damage industry European this makes them money.
At a recent meeting in the Port of Barcelona with those responsible for the main ports of the Mediterranean, the President of the State Ports, Álvaro Rodríguez Dapena, stated that Spain, Italy, Portugal, Malta and Cyprus have requested a moratorium on the implementation of the normative.
Global regulation in 2025
The measure for the ports of these countries should be encouraged by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the world authority responsible for the establishment of maritime transport. standards for safety, security and environmental performanceIn order for the application to be global, without prejudice to European ports.
IMO states that a global regulation that includes the implementation of a pricing mechanism for marine greenhouse gas emissions is planned to be implemented in 2025. This measure will be accompanied by another rule: will force ships to mine resources energy and zero emission technologies This should represent 5% to 10% of all energy used in 2030.
Country commitment
This is all part of the strategy approved last July by the 175 countries that make up the IMO. Reduce CO2 emissions from all international shipping by 20% to 25% by 2030 and over 70% by 2040Some of the countries that have committed to follow this plan, due to their level of development and possibilities, face greater difficulties in adopting the changes than the European Union and will need support measures according to the IMO. .
This strategy would mean that, in a scenario without regulatory changes, emissions from international shipping would currently be about 4% of global emissionsThey would continue to grow. This aspect is also included in the regulatory text processed by the European Council, under which the EU should promote “global leadership in green technologies, services and solutions” and thus encourage “job creation in relevant value chains”. while maintaining competitiveness.