22.9.2023
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
L 234/49
(3)
According to the Commission Staff Working Document accompanying the Commission Communication of 9 December 2020 entitled ‘Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy – putting European transport on track for the future’, compared to other modes of transport, maritime transport remains the most carbon-efficient mode of transport per ton km.
At the same time, ship traffic to or from ports in the European Economic Area accounts for some 11 % of all Union carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from transport and 3 to 4 % of total Union CO2 emissions.
CO2 emissions from maritime transport are expected to increase, unless further action is taken.
All sectors of the Union economy are to contribute to the swift reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero at the latest by 2050, as enshrined in Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4).
It is therefore essential for the Union to set out an appropriate pathway for the swift ecological transition of the maritime transport sector, which would also contribute to maintaining and further promoting the Union’s global leadership in relation to green technologies, services and solutions, and to further stimulating job creation in the related value chains while maintaining competitiveness.
(4)
To enhance the Union’s climate commitment under the Paris Agreement (5), adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (the ‘Paris Agreement’), Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 aims to reduce GHG emissions (emissions after deduction of removals) by at least 55 % compared to 1990 levels by 2030 and puts the Union on a path to becoming climate neutral by 2050 at the latest.
Additionally, various complementary policy instruments are needed to promote and speed up the use of sustainably produced renewable and low-carbon fuels, including in the maritime transport sector, while respecting the principle of technological neutrality.
The necessary technology development and its deployment have to be under way by 2030 to prepare for much more rapid change thereafter.
It is also essential to foster innovation and to support research for emerging and future innovation such as emerging alternative fuels, eco-design, bio-based materials, wind propulsion and wind-assisted propulsion.
(5)
In the context of fuel transition to renewable and low-carbon fuels and substitute sources of energy, it is essential to ensure the proper functioning of and fair competition in the Union maritime transport market regarding maritime fuels, which account for a substantial share of companies’ and operators’ costs.
Policy measures should therefore be cost-effective.
Differences in fuel requirements across Member States can significantly affect ship operators’ economic performance and negatively impact competition in the market.
Due to the international nature of shipping, ship operators may easily bunker in third countries and carry large amounts of fuel, which could also contribute to a risk of loss of competitiveness of Union ports in comparison to non-Union ports.
That situation could lead to carbon leakage and detrimental effects on the competitiveness of the sector if the availability of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State is not accompanied by requirements for their use that apply to all ships arriving at and departing from maritime ports under the jurisdiction of Member States.
Therefore, this Regulation should lay down measures to ensure that the penetration of renewable and low-carbon fuels in the maritime fuels market takes place under the conditions of fair competition on the Union maritime transport market.
(6)
The maritime transport sector is subject to strong international competition.
Major differences in regulatory burdens across flag states have often led to unwanted practices such as the reflagging of ships.
The sector’s intrinsic global character underlines the importance of a flag-neutral approach and of a favourable regulatory environment, which would help to attract new investment and safeguard the competitiveness of Union ports, shipowners and ship operators.
(4) Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 June 2021 establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulations (EC) No 401/2009 and (EU) 2018/1999 (‘European Climate Law’) (OJ L 243, 9.7.2021, p. 1).
(5) OJ L 282, 19.10.2016, p. 4.