MEPs on the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport debated, on Wednesday 20 April, the future regulatory framework for increasing the share of renewable and sustainable fuels in the maritime sector (‘Maritime FuelEU) (see EUROPE 12930/12).
While the importance of taking action to reduce emissions from the maritime sector was unanimously recognised by the various MEPs, there are several opposing views on the method.
The approach defended by the rapporteur, Jörgen Warborn (EPP, Sweden), is essentially to maintain the line defined by the Commission in its initial proposal.
Thus, Mr Warborn wants to put pressure on the largest players in terms of scope by keeping the weight threshold of the vessels concerned at 5,000 gross tonnes.
Similarly, the Swedish MEP wants to keep the rules on geographical scope, which would mean that ships on intra-EU voyages would eventually have to use 100% clean energy and 50% for voyages between the EU and a third country and vice versa.
“Some colleagues are in favour of 100% extra-EU, but this could have serious effects, even triggering a trade war with some partners”, Mr Warborn said.
On the other hand, some of his counterparts want to go further. “We must not rest on our laurels. Ambition is needed. We need to extend the scope to 100% for international use; this would push countries to take their own measures”, insisted Jutta Paulus (Greens/EFA, Germany).
The rapporteur also reiterated his commitment to “reducing the administrative burden” and called on the Commission to stick to a ‘one in, one out’ strategy, repealing old regulations as new ones come into force.
“We need to strike a balance and be careful about measures that would make the burden unbearable for citizens and businesses”, he said.
“The text contains too many possibilities for derogations. This confirms that the rapporteur’s vision is to promote fossil fuels in the maritime sector”, said Vera Tax (S&D, Netherlands).
On shore-side electricity, the rapporteur claimed that the rules should be “reasonable” and that an obligation to connect in all situations would not be viable. “It is very expensive and these funds could be used for other things”, he added.
In addition, the rapporteur also reiterated his desire to see the EU rules eventually abolished, should other rules emanating from the International Maritime Organization come into being. During the debate, several MEPs expressed their support for this point. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)