The European Parliament’s Committee on Transport adopted (32 votes in favour, none against, 17 abstentions), on Thursday 25 February, the own-initiative report by Karima Delli (Greens/EFA, France) on the future of maritime transport.
The package of compromise amendments negotiated - which had revealed major disagreements over fossil fuels (see EUROPE 12663/14) - was adopted to the dismay of the ‘green’ MEPs: none supported the text, not even Ms Delli. The deputies of the Left and ID also abstained. The Dutch Vera Tax, rapporteur for the S&D, as well.
“This text will have to be voted on in the coming weeks in plenary session and we will be particularly attentive to the banning of fossil fuels, rather than a gradual withdrawal”, said Karima Delli.
Since the report no longer calls for a ban on heavy fuel oil in ships, but for its phasing out. The proposal for a black list banning ships that do not comply with EU environmental and social standards from European ports has also disappeared for good.
In addition, of the two amendments concerning the controversial use of liquefied natural gas (LNG), the one supported by Renew Europe, the EPP, and the ECR, was retained. It advocates investing in “easily deployable options to reduce emissions”, such as LNG, while waiting for other strong green alternatives.
About 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions are caused by international shipping, the report says. It therefore reiterates the Parliament’s call for a 40% reduction in the sector’s emissions by 2030 and the inclusion of maritime transport in the European Emissions Trading System without, however, compromising the competitiveness of companies. (Original version in French by Agathe Cherki)