European shipowners have welcomed the European Union Parliament’s approval of the Fit for 55 climate measures package, which includes adding shipping to the EU’s emissions trading system (ETS).

Large majority votes for the shipping elements were recorded at this week’s parliamentary environmental committee, ENVI.

The positive vote means ENVI proposals to the original European Commission plans will stand to regulate all emissions from voyages departing from and arriving at European ports and drop a four-year phase-in that had been recommended by the EC.