This Week in Freight & Ports — Brussels (#18, 2026)
New GHG accounting regulation for transport applies from 2030; EU position set for IMO climate negotiations; EU acts on rail ticketing and passenger rights.
May 10, 2026 to May 16, 2026
New GHG accounting regulation for transport applies from 2030; EU position set for IMO climate negotiations; EU acts on rail ticketing and passenger rights.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission proposes seamless rail booking and passenger rights package
The European Commission on 12 May 2026 adopted three proposals aimed at simplifying multimodal and cross-border travel, focusing on rail. The package introduces new obligations for ticket sellers and operators to ensure fair access to ticket sales and neutral presentation of travel options. Measures facilitate single-ticket bookings across multiple rail operators and guarantee passenger rights, such as assistance and reimbursement, in case of missed connections. The Commission states the move will improve transparency and market access for smaller operators. President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas linked the measures to broader climate and cohesion objectives. The package now proceeds to the Council and Parliament under ordinary legislative procedure.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Regulation (EU) 2026/1030: Greenhouse gas emissions accounting for transport services
Regulation (EU) 2026/1030, published on 12 May 2026, establishes harmonised rules for GHG emissions accounting for all transport services in the EU. The regulation applies to operators, service organisers, and data intermediaries calculating or disclosing GHG emissions, with mandatory use of EN ISO 14083:2023 as the common methodology. The law sets out requirements for primary and secondary data, creates EU databases for emission factors, and introduces a free EU calculation tool for SMEs. It enters into force 20 days after publication and applies from 2 December 2030.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1067: EU position at IMO MEPC 84 on Net-Zero Framework
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1067, adopted 27 April 2026, sets the Union's position for the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the IMO. The EU will support further consideration and adoption of the IMO Net-Zero Framework under Annex VI to MARPOL, covering GHG emission reductions from shipping. The decision authorises Member States to express a joint EU position, complementing Decision (EU) 2025/2093.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1041: National derogations for inland transport of dangerous goods
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1041, adopted 5 May 2026, amends Directive 2008/68/EC to authorise certain national derogations for the inland transport of dangerous goods. Specific derogations requested by Member States are authorised, following Commission evaluation in line with Article 6(2) and (4) of Directive 2008/68/EC. The decision applies upon publication.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1071: EU position on amendments to the Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail (COTIF)
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1071 of 5 May 2026 establishes the EU’s position for the 59th session of the Committee of Experts for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods of OTIF. The EU will support amendments to Appendix C (RID) aligning international rail transport of dangerous goods with recent scientific and technical progress. Minor technical changes may be agreed at working group level.
EU Council
Informal meeting of Energy Ministers discusses maritime and land transport decarbonisation
The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council held an informal meeting of energy ministers on 12 May 2026, addressing decarbonisation in transport sectors.
EP Committee Work
TRAN Committee: Draft opinion on CO2 emission performance standards for new light duty vehicles
On 11 May 2026, the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), rapporteur Jens Gieseke, published a draft opinion on the proposal amending Regulation (EU) 2019/631 regarding CO2 emission performance standards and vehicle labelling. The opinion addresses proposed repeal of Directive 1999/94/EC.
TRAN Committee: Draft report on exempting electric N2 vehicles from speed limitation device requirements
On 11 May 2026, the TRAN Committee, rapporteur Merja Kyllönen, issued a draft report amending Directive 92/6/EEC to exempt certain N2 electric vehicles from speed limitation device requirements.
What We're Reading This Week
- Shipping giant CMA CGM uses its fortune to expand its empire on land: CMA CGM is investing heavily in logistics and land-based operations to diversify beyond its core shipping business.
- Coal shipments jump as countries seek alternatives to disrupted gas supplies: Surging coal exports reflect intensified global demand as nations turn to alternative fuels amid ongoing natural gas supply disruptions.
- Strait of Hormuz disruption could push oil market recovery into 2027, Aramco CEO says: A prolonged Strait of Hormuz disruption may delay global oil market recovery by years, warns Aramco's chief executive.
- Iran now defines Strait of Hormuz as far larger zone, IRGC officer says: Iran expands its claimed security zone in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially escalating regional maritime tensions and enforcement actions.
- Exclusive: Iraq, Pakistan strike energy deals with Iran as Tehran flexes Hormuz control: Iraq and Pakistan have secured energy agreements with Iran, signaling regional shifts amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
