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ESPO ports concerned about ‘first signs’ of carbon and business leakage ahead of EU ETS

‘One must realise, that once evasion is established, and trading routes have changed, it will be very difficult to reverse the negative developments,’ says ESPO Secretary General.
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The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) on Wednesday (20 September) reiterated its support for an emission trading scheme as instrument for greening the shipping sector but expressed serious concern about first signs of carbon and business leakage due to the limited scope of the current legislation.

It was replying to a public consultation on the list of non-EU neighbouring ports that would fall under the “transhipment clause” that has been introduced in the EU emission trading system (ETS) directive intended to limit the risks of carbon and business leakage once the EU ETS maritime comes into force.

The statement from ESPO is as follows:

For ESPO, the principle to not consider as a “port of call”, in the counting of the ETS charges, the calls to some transhipment ports neighbouring the EU is only a partial solution to the problem. ESPO fully agrees with the identification of Tanger Med and East Port Said as major neighbouring transhipments ports. However, it will not be enough to ensure that evasion cannot take place. While only a few neighbouring ports are reaching the very high transhipment volume thresholds put forward in the legislation (65%), many ports and terminals around Europe have and/or are building up transhipment capacity. The Commission should therefore not only look at current volumes, but also consider the transhipment capacity in the different ports neighbouring the EU.

Moreover, under the current legislation, even if the call at a non-EU transhipment port is subject to the special regime, it is still more favourable for ships to call at a non-EU port than at an EU transhipment port. When ships call at an EU transhipment port, the last leg between the transhipment port and any other EU port is subject to ETS charges for 100% of the journey. On the other hand, if the ships call at a non-EU transhipment port, only 50% of the journey is accounted for.

“We see a real ramping up of investments in additional TEU capacity in ports and new terminals in neighbouring countries, including investments realised by major shipping lines in these ports, and we also hear about first rerouting movements outside Europe. This reinforces the idea that shipping lines, where relevant, are preparing their way out of the EU ETS maritime. We recognise the importance of the EU ETS Directive and supports its aim, but we continue to regret that this legislative framework disadvantages EU ports vis-à-vis non-EU ports, without the expected benefit in terms of emission reduction”, stresses Zeno D’Agostino, Chairman of ESPO.

For the maritime EU ETS to be a success, the European Commission must make sure that the ETS implementation safeguards the competitiveness of European ports, and avoids carbon and business leakage to ports neighbouring the EU.

For Europe’s ports, monitoring should already take place ahead of the application date, as rerouting and evasion movements are already in preparation or happening now. Moreover, the monitoring should happen continuously, not only with a report every two years.

“One must realise, that once evasion is established, and trading routes have changed, it will be very difficult to reverse the negative developments”, says Isabelle Ryckbost, ESPO Secretary General.

While it is difficult to prove a direct causal link between certain rerouting and developments of terminals outside the EU, the level and intensity of recent developments in non-EU ports strengthen the concern of many European affected ports on the possible adverse effect of the EU ETS without the expected environmental benefit. On top of losing transhipment capacity and the corresponding jobs, Europe risks losing oversight and control of the entire supply chain.

Given the current situation and developments and the serious consequences of the implementation of this legislation for the competitiveness and future of some European ports, ESPO hopes for an open, continuous and constructive dialogue with the Commission allowing to map adverse impacts and signal evasion at a very early stage, in view of achieving an ETS that delivers the ambitions it has been designed for.

Photo credit: European Sea Ports Organisation
Published: 21 September, 2023

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Days of making bunker decisions in isolation are over, says ZeroNorth MD

Nicolai Bendixen, Managing Director of ZeroNorth Bunker tackles fragmentation in bunkering by sharing his view on the strategic direction to make it a fully integrated part of shipping operations.

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July 15, 2025

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Days of making bunker decisions in isolation are over, says ZeroNorth MD

Nicolai Bendixen, Managing Director of ZeroNorth Bunker on Friday (11 July) shared his view on the strategic direction to make bunkering a fully integrated part of shipping operations:

Traditionally, bunker procurement has been treated as a transaction – often disconnected from the operational, commercial, and environmental realities of shipping. But with intensifying regulations and increasingly complex fuel markets, this fragmented approach exposes companies to inefficiencies, rising costs, and compliance risks.

Since his appointment in 2024, Bendixen has led the development of a new strategy focused on transforming bunkering into an integrated, data-driven part of shipping operations – one that connects fuel buying directly to operational performance, commercial strategy, and emissions impact.

“The days of making bunker decisions in isolation are over,” says Bendixen. “We’re operating in an environment where every fuel decision has consequences – for cost, for emissions, and for operational performance.”

A growing challenge for operators

The complexity facing ship operators today is unprecedented. Fuel remains the industry’s single largest operating cost, but pricing is volatile, supplier networks are fragmented, and new regulations are fundamentally reshaping bunkering requirements. At the same time, the industry is under pressure to cut emissions, optimise performance, and manage multiple fuel types – from conventional bunkers to alternatives like LNG, methanol and biofuels.

“These are not isolated decisions,” Bendixen explains. “You can’t separate bunkering from voyage planning, from emissions reporting, or from your commercial strategy. But most of the tools in the market still treat them as separate processes.”

An integrated approach

ZeroNorth is closing this gap by embedding bunkering into its fuel optimisation ecosystem. Through the ZeroNorth platform, bunker procurement, planning, performance data, and emissions management are being connected – enabling operators to make informed, holistic decisions.

“Bunker procurement is part of a bigger operational puzzle,” says Bendixen. “Our role is to give operators the tools to solve it in real time – with data, with automation, and with alignment to both commercial and sustainability goals.”

ZeroNorth’s bunker products have already evolved significantly since the company entered the bunker space in 2022. Following the integration of ClearLynx and Prosmar Bunkering, the company has streamlined digital procurement tools, scaled its electronic Bunker Delivery Note (eBDN) solution across global ports. Over 95% of pricing volume is now automated, helping reduce manual workload and improve pricing accuracy.

Towards autonomous bunker management

Bendixen’s ultimate goal is what ZeroNorth calls “Autonomous Bunker Management.”

“The complexity will only increase,” he says. “More fuel types, more suppliers, more regulations – operators can’t manage that with disconnected systems. We believe the future lies in intelligent, connected environments where procurement, planning, and compliance are automated and aligned.”

This vision involves building AI-driven systems capable of continuously learning from operational data, predicting optimal procurement strategies, and executing transactions with minimal manual intervention. Work is already underway on autonomous planning capabilities, smart claim detection, and enhanced pricing indices designed to support greater transparency and reliability across the bunker market.

Importantly, Bendixen stresses that ZeroNorth’s approach is designed to complement – not replace – existing procurement models. The company provides technology that enables informed decision-making, whether operators manage procurement in-house or through trusted partners.

“Procurement will always involve relationships, but it needs to be underpinned by data, automation, and alignment to operational realities,” Bendixen concludes. “That’s how we move beyond fragmented decisions – and towards a future where fuel procurement helps drive both commercial performance and decarbonisation.”

 

Photo credit: ZeroNorth
Published: 15 July, 2025

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Trafigura enters strategic alliance with maritime technology provider ZeroNorth

ZeroNorth’s platform will be installed across Trafigura’s controlled fleet of more than 350 vessels, with Trafigura taking an equity stake in ZeroNorth.
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5 days ago

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July 10, 2025

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Commodities group Trafigura and maritime technology provider ZeroNorth entered a strategic alliance on Wednesday (9 July).

The development involves a roll out of ZeroNorth’s platform across Trafigura’s controlled fleet of more than 350 vessels, including its voyage optimisation systems, emissions analytics and vessel reporting tools.

Additionally, Trafigura will take an equity stake in ZeroNorth, further deepening the ties between the two companies.

ZeroNorth’s technology uses advanced artificial intelligence and real-time data, including live weather conditions, vessel specifications, ship performance data and bunker fuel availability to optimise operational performance continuously.

The implementation of ZeroNorth’s solutions is expected to deliver reductions in both marine fuel consumption and carbon emissions across Trafigura’s chartered fleet.

As part of the agreement, Trafigura will also join ZeroNorth’s group of strategic partners, contribute practical industry insights to product development and play an active role in shaping the company’s long-term direction.

Andrea Olivi, Global Head of Shipping at Trafigura, commented: “This partnership marks an important step in Trafigura’s commitment to improving efficiency and sustainability across its maritime operations. The ZeroNorth platform will help us optimise fleet performance through enhanced monitoring of fuel and emissions while improving data collection and quality. It will also strengthen our relationships with vessel owners through more effective communication and information sharing.”

Søren C. Meyer, CEO at ZeroNorth said: “We’re proud to partner with Trafigura – one of the largest players in global commodity trading and shipping. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing the use of technology and high-quality data, sending a clear signal to the industry about the vital roles these play in the energy transition. Trafigura’s insight, scale, and ambition will be invaluable to our strategic direction and will help accelerate the impact of our platform across the industry.”

 

Photo credit: ZeroNorth
Published: 10 July 2025

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Digital platform

Ofiniti eBDN solution chosen by FincoEnergies for marine biofuel ops in ARA region

Development takes place on the back of complex logistics and opaque operational processes experienced by the marine (bio)fuel market; which Ofiniti’s FuelBoss eBDN solution seeks to simplify.
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June 17, 2025

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Rotterdam-based FincoEnergies, an independent, leading supplier of (bio)fuels and decarbonisation services for the transport sector, will be adopting Ofiniti’s FuelBoss eBDN technology, with operational support from VT Group.

The development takes place on the back of complex logistics and opaque operational processes experienced by the marine (bio)fuel market; which Ofiniti’s FuelBoss eBDN solution seeks to simplify.

“Schedules are becoming increasingly tighter as demand for sustainable biofuels grows,” explains Leon Arets, Trading & Operations Director at FincoEnergies.

“We’re adopting a platform that enhances structure and responsiveness. This digital leap allows us to not only scale efficiently but also deliver greater transparency and operational excellence to our clients.”

A spin-off from global assurance and risk management leader DNV, Ofiniti brings together deep industry know-how with cutting-edge technology. Its flagship platform, FuelBoss, is designed to replace cumbersome manual processes with streamlined digital workflows that boost efficiency and data reliability.

“Our work with LNG suppliers laid the groundwork,” notes Oliver Brix Sparsø, Global Director of Sales at Ofiniti. “But this collaboration with FincoEnergies and VT Group marks the first large-scale commitment to digital delivery workflows for biofuels. It’s a turning point for the region.”

FincoEnergies’ mission, Decarbonising the transport industry together, is grounded in collaboration and innovation. The partnership with Ofiniti and VT Group exemplifies this spirit, combining technological leadership with operational expertise.

“As operators, we continuously look for ways to improve life on board and support our partners,” adds Wouter van Reenen, Business Development Manager at VT Group. “FuelBoss is a strong fit for our operations and those of our chartering clients.”

Related: Ofiniti to digitalise Azane ammonia bunkering operations across Scandinavia
Related: Ofiniti to roll out e-BDNs for Golden Island methanol bunkering operations in Singapore
Related: Global Fuel Supply to adopt FuelBoss by Ofiniti for e-BDN in West Africa
Related: Ofiniti appoints Oliver Brix Sparsø as new Global Director of Sales
Related: Ofiniti acquires Singapore-based Angsana Technology to advance digital bunkering solutions
Related: Singapore: FuelBoss by Ofiniti becomes sixth whitelisted e-BDN solution
Related: Digital bunkering platform Ofiniti successfully spun out from DNV
Related: FuelBoss to continue under new DNV company Ofiniti

 

Photo credit: Ofiniti
Published: 17 June 2025

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