The Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union sent a first version of its compromise text on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport (‘FuelEU Maritime’) to the Member States on Friday 12 November. This text is part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package presented by the European Commission on 14 July 2021, which should allow a 55% reduction in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 (see EUROPE 12762/1).
For the time being, the Slovenian Presidency says it has limited itself to “editorial and technical” changes, adding that other points that are “not necessarily acceptable or accepted”, will be addressed in further work.
However, several clarifications have already been made in this first draft, notably concerning the use of shore power.
While the European Commission’s proposal aims to establish rules to limit emissions on board ships “arriving in, visiting, or departing from ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State”, the Slovenian authorities specify that the future regulation should not apply in the case of unscheduled calls that are “due to circumstances beyond the control of the owner or the captain”.
With regard to the monitoring and registration of vessels - the initial text provides for a focus on vessels over 5,000 tonnes only - the EU Council Presidency states that companies will have to provide, by 31 March each year at the latest, information enabling the competent authorities to verify compliance with the Regulation.
Possible exemptions for some Member States
A certificate of compliance, in electronic or paper format, must be available to the competent authorities at each call in a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State.
This certificate of compliance, the Slovenian Presidency states, will be valid for 18 months after the end of the reference period - the previous calendar year - or will expire if a new certificate is issued.
With regard to Member States, the compromise document provides that an EU country “which does not have seaports on its territory and which has closed its national register of ships or which does not have ships flying its flag that fall within the scope of this Regulation” may derogate from the Regulation.
However, the European Commission should be informed of such a request and of any other changes. Discussions about the information period are still to be held.
Maritime transport accounts for 31% of the volume of trade within the EU and causes 11% of CO2 emissions in the transport sector. Its share in the EU’s overall CO2 emissions is between 3 and 4%.
See the Slovenian Presidency’s compromise text: https://bit.ly/3ckQ0Nf (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)