According to shipowner organisation Danske Rederier, the European Parliament has adopted a so-called own-initiative report which calls on the Commission for an EU Port Strategy that acknowledges the crucial role of ports in the green transition of the maritime industry and eliminates certain harsh protectionist measures included in the first draft.
Protectionist measures included in the initial Committee draft of the EU Port Strategy, if implemented, could have led to limited opportunities for the EU to foster global trade partnerships. Therefore, Danske Rederier is satisfied that the European Parliament members have shifted focus to emphasising the vital role of European ports.
Bergur Løkke Rasmussen, MEP Renew Europe Group, said: “The EU should be careful not to lean towards protectionist measures. When EU advocates for regional policies, it may provoke retaliatory actions from other countries than China such as countries in ASEAN, Oceania, South America, and other regions too.”
The first strategy proposal would have called for an end to free competition by restricting non-EU shipping companies from moving goods within the EU. This could potentially lead to similar initiatives in other parts of the world and thus ultimately harm the European shipping companies, which operate and compete globally.
Jacob K Clasen (pictured), Deputy CEO Danish Shipping said: “The European Union should embrace trade from every corner of the globe and refrain from impeding it. Our shipping companies heavily depend on unrestricted access to ports worldwide and the principles of free trade. Consequently, I am delighted that the detrimental protectionist measures initially proposed in the first strategy draft have been eliminated.”
The new proposal acknowledges the crucial role of ports in the green transition of the maritime industry, with a specific focus on infrastructure for alternative fuels and facilities for handling and transporting CO2 (Carbon Capture and Storage). Rasmussen managed to include the proposal of a European Port Atlas to support the green transition. With the legislative initiative, the Parliament urges the Commission to present a European ports strategy by the end of 2024.
