EU ports sound alarm as ETS pushes traffic toward transhipment rivals
- EU ports raise concerns carriers are rerouting to avoid ETS costs, resulting in carbon leakage rather than emissions reduction
- Revised ETS directive includes neighbouring ports but cost advantages remain
- Cost savings can exceed $100,000 per voyage by calling non-EU ports
- European shipping lines are investing heavily in non-EU hubs, with 17m teu of new capacity in the pipeline
Europe’s maritime emissions policy is triggering a reshuffle in Mediterranean shipping lanes, as carriers increasingly commit more tonnage to non-EU hubs amid the cost advantage over ETS levies. With billions of dollars invested in rival ports, EU transhipment hubs warn of lasting damage to competitiveness
