MEPs back inclusion of shipping in Emissions Trading Scheme
MEPs back inclusion of shipping in Emissions Trading Scheme
On September 16th 2020 European MEPs voted to include maritime shipping under the Emissions Trading System from 2022 and setting binding requirements for shipping companies to cut CO2 emissions by at least 40% by 2030. There was alaso a call for revenues to be used for establishing an “Ocean Fund” up to 2030 to invest in innovative technology and for managing marine ecosystems.
The ETS scheme is expected to apply to ships over 5000 gross tonnes, and may cover voyages into and out of any European port, as well as intra-European transport.
However, representatives of the European shipping industry (see e.g. ECSA) have warned that this move undermines the potential for achieving a fully international agreement.