European ports call for ‘swift’ adoption of IMO NZF

October 3, 2025, by Naida Hakirevic Prevljak

Ahead of the next International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting taking place on October 14 in London, the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) has urged IMO member states to formally adopt the Net-Zero Framework.

“This global initiative is a vital step towards decarbonising international shipping and will provide much-needed clarity for the sector as it transitions to low-emission operations,” ESPO highlighted.

The organization, which represents over 98 percent of the seaports in the European Union, has asked the European Commission to ensure “maximum alignment” between the IMO framework and existing EU measures such as FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) post IMO NZF adoption.

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A coherent regulatory landscape is vital to avoid double payment, reduce administrative burdens, and prevent market distortions and business leakage that is already undermining the competitiveness of European ports.

ESPO added that it looks forward to the upcoming assessment by the European Sustainable Shipping Forum (ESSF) and calls for a harmonized approach that supports the EU’s climate ambitions while maintaining a level playing field for the maritime industry.

“Combining decarbonisation and competitiveness is the priority of this Commission. The adoption of the IMO Net-Zero Framework and the direct follow-up by the Commission with a maximum alignment of the EU ETS maritime would give the EU ports sector a strong signal that the Commission walks the talk. Europe’s ports are strongholds of Europe’s sustainable and resilient future but can only play their role if they remain competitive,” Isabelle Ryckbost, ESPO’s Secretary General, commented.

In other news, the European Commission started preparations for an EU Ports Strategy and EU Industrial Maritime Strategy this past summer.

As gateways for trade, logistics, energy and military mobility, ports must be fit to support Europe’s future economic and strategic needs, according to the commission. A comprehensive EU Ports Strategy will aim to support the long-term competitiveness of ports in terms with a focus on security, energy transition, and sustainability.

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