The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) warns that extending the EU Emissions Trading System to maritime transport may cause carbon and commercial leakage. This occurs when shipping activity shifts to non-EU ports to avoid carbon costs, potentially moving emissions outside the regulated zone rather than reducing them. This shift creates a competitive disadvantage for European ports and complicates the goal of global decarbonization. The tension highlights the difficulty of implementing regional carbon pricing in a global industry where vessels can easily reroute to avoid financial penalties.
