The Ministry analyzes the consequences of European emissions regulations on maritime transport

The Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Mobility of the Government of the Canary Islands, together with the public entity Puertos Canarios and the two Canary Islands port authorities, is addressing Regulation (EU) 2023/956 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which establishes a carbon border adjustment mechanism and, specifically, its application to maritime transport activities.

Maintaining the competitiveness of the port sector in the Islands is essential to ensure the transport of goods with Europe and the rest of the world.

In this regard, the Ministry is evaluating various proposals that take into account the archipelago's unique characteristics, with the aim of minimizing the consequences this measure would have on the movement of goods and the island's economy.

• With the entry into force of this regulation, and the proximity of first-class port infrastructure that is exempt from compliance, the Canary Islands port system could be at a competitive disadvantage in the short term.

The Canary Islands Government will defend tax exemptions in the sector so as not to harm its competitiveness, without neglecting its sustainability and climate change strategy, developing policies that offset the carbon footprint in other areas, while the transition towards greater levels of decarbonization in the air and sea transport sectors takes place.

In the coming weeks, the Executive Branch, together with port authorities, will hold working meetings with port sector professionals to develop a joint proposal and request that Europe adapt the strategy so as not to harm the main economic drivers of the outermost regions.