Interferry, the association representing the ferry industry worldwide, is calling on the European Commission to immediately harmonise its unilateral EU ETS / FuelEU Maritime regulations with the recently agreed IMO Net-Zero Framework.
Interferry warns that failure to align GHG regulations will lead to double payment for emissions, placing an unsustainable financial burden on European ferry operators and jeopardising essential trade and travel services. Interferry considers it fundamentally unacceptable for ferry operators to be forced into double payment for the same emissions under both EU ETS / FuelEU Maritime and the new IMO Net-Zero framework. This overlap will impose an enormous financial burden on Europe’s ro-ro cargo and ro-pax operators, threatening the long-term viability of lifeline ferry services, and pushing freight and passenger volumes onto already congested European road networks.
Johan Roos, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Interferry, said: “We cannot have a situation where operators are paying twice for the same emissions. The European Commission pledged to align its rules once a strong global framework was established at the IMO. That framework is now in place. It’s time for the European Commission to deliver on its promise, ensure regulatory consistency, and protect the vital role ferries play in Europe’s economy and connectivity.”
Europe’s ferry industry is considered vital, with over half the world’s gross ro-pax ship tonnage operating in European waters, transporting up to 800m passengers and 200m vehicles and freight units annually. These services significantly alleviate pressure on the road network. However, ferry operators face direct competition from other transport modes, and with ferry customers being very price sensitive, every euro of ticket increase can be directly translated into lost volumes. This is seen as particularly relevant in light of the current regulatory exemption of road transport from the application of such surcharges.
Interferry urges the European Commission to honour its commitment to a comprehensive review of its unilateral GHG requirements with the goal to align and harmonise these frameworks with the IMO Net-Zero framework. This is thought to be crucial to prevent double payment and to safeguard the European ferry industry, ensuring it remains competitive with other modes of transport.
Interferry membership exceeds 280 companies and represents more than 2,200 individuals in over 40 countries. Its primary purposes are to represent the ferry industry on regulatory and policy matters including safety and sustainability; to speak on behalf of the worldwide ferry sector which provides transport for over 4bn passengers and 370m vehicles annually; and to facilitate networking and communications among its members.
Image: Interferry wants its members to avoid paying carbon taxes twice in Europe (image source: Stena Line)
