Members of the European Parliament (MEP) have approved the extension of the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to the maritime sector following a final vote on the afternoon of 16 September.
According to a press statement filed after the announcement of vote the European Parliament has adopted the Commission’s proposal to revise the EU system for monitoring, reporting and verifying CO2 emissions from maritime transport (the “EU MRV Regulation”) by 520 votes to 94 and 77 abstentions.
The vote comes as a blow to the container shipping lines who had hoped to avoid the implementation of regional carbon charging schemes. However, the EU has tired of what it sees as procrastination over decarbonisation of the shipping industry and has decided to recommend action.
A European Parliamentary spokesman told Container News, that the initial proposal was to be brought forward by the European Commission next year, but that MEPs had agreed with the Commission and had wanted to expedite the process. The council of ministers and member states, will now negotiate an agreement with the Euroepan Parliament for a final agreement before the EU can enforce any new regulation.
John Butler, president & CEO of the World Shipping Council told Container News, “This is the first step in what will be a lengthy trilogue process among the Parliament, the Council, and the Commission. What is critical during that process is that the EU makes decisions on the basis of the most effective global solution for reducing GHG emissions from shipping.”
