Source: European Parliament
All sectors, including maritime transport, need to contribute to the EU climate neutrality goal by 2050. The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and FuelEU Maritime are key policies to achieve this objective.
In its report[1] on the monitoring of the implementation of the ETS Directive[2] in relation to maritime transport, the Commission did assess trends on port connectivity using data on port liner shipping connectivity index.
The analysis revealed no significant difference in the evolution of connectivity of EU transhipment ports compared to neighbouring non-EU transhipment ports. It, however, showed the high impact of the Red Sea crisis on maritime traffic in 2024.
The Commission also assessed planned investments in ports, both in the EU and neighbouring countries, showing no noticeable turnaround compared to ongoing trends.
The Commission will continue closely monitoring the situation, and will take action if needed. The Commission will also continue analysing greenhouse gas emissions in its regular annual reports, with the next one covering 2024 data expected towards the end of the year.
The forthcoming EU Port Strategy will look at all major issues facing ports. It will notably focus on security and competitiveness. Social aspects, including the need to ensure safe and secure working conditions, will also be covered.
The implementing act[3] identifying neighbouring container transhipment ports must be updated every two years. The next update is foreseen by end 2025, based on the criteria defined in the legislation.
- [1] COM(2025) 110 final — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0110.
- [2] Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).
- [3] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2297 of 26 October 2023 identifying neighbouring container transhipment ports pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.