Cut CO2 from ships, but properly

The EPP Group supports the political agreement in favour of cutting shipping emissions by as much as 40 percent by 2030 by integrating them into the existing EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). But the EPP Group wants to do so in a separate law, not in an amendment to the data collection provisions, and if it is covered by an impact assessment.

"Each sector needs to contribute if Europe is to become climate neutral by 2050, also shipping. The EU-ETS is the right instrument for this, but must not be introduced through bad legislation. We want a debate with all the relevant stakeholders on fact and a proper impact assessment outlining the possible consequences by June 2021. We want to address this question in a legally sound way, through dedicated law proposed by the European Commission", said Pernille Weiss MEP.

The European Parliament debates later today and votes on Wednesday on changes to the data collection system for ship fuel oil consumption. Weiss negotiated the draft law on behalf of the EPP Group.

"The new rules should reward, not punish, the 'first movers', meaning shipping companies that have already invested heavily to reduce their emissions and thereby showing the way forward. Emissions should be reduced by 40 percent by 2030, with a baseline year to be set by the Commission taking into account this consideration", said Weiss.

Weiss also wants the EU to respect the polluter pays principle. "The requirements should apply to commercial operators such as charters, not only ship-owners", she said.

In the case of the further extension of the EU-ETS to maritime transport, Weiss calls for the establishment of a fund from revenues from allowance auctioning to improve energy efficiency of ships and to support investment in innovative technology.