Navigating Change: Progress and Ongoing Sustainability Challenges in EU Maritime Transport

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Navigating Change: Progress and Ongoing Sustainability Challenges in EU Maritime Transport

Europe’s maritime sector is making strides toward sustainability, but it needs to ramp up its efforts in the coming years to meet EU climate and environmental goals. These goals focus on reducing energy use, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, while also protecting biodiversity. A recent report from the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the European Environment Agency highlights the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead.

Maritime transport is essential for trade, economic growth, and job creation. It also plays a key role in energy security. However, as demand for shipping increases, so do its environmental impacts. The report notes that while some progress has been made, cutting emissions remains a significant challenge.

Shipping activities, including cargo transport, commercial fishing, and cruising, contribute to serious environmental issues. Currently, this sector is responsible for 3-4% of the EU’s carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions—a number that must decrease. Methane (CH₄) emissions have also doubled from 2018 to 2023, making up 26% of the sector’s total emissions in that year. Alongside greenhouse gases, air pollutants like sulphur and nitrogen oxides remain problematic.

Furthermore, maritime transport contributes to water pollution through oil spills and waste discharges. While efforts to reduce marine litter from shipping have seen some success, challenges persist, particularly with lost shipping containers that can release plastic pellets into the ocean.

On a positive note, the use of alternative fuels in the maritime sector is growing, albeit from a low starting point. However, production of these fuels needs to increase significantly to meet future demands. There is also a pressing need for standardized international guidelines and training for seafarers in new technologies that support decarbonization.

Commissioner for Sustainable Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, praised the report, calling it a roadmap for future sustainable shipping in Europe. He emphasized the need for collaboration to ensure maritime transport remains vital for the economy while minimizing its environmental footprint.

Jessika Roswall, EU Commissioner for Environment, highlighted the pressures facing Europe’s waters and emphasized the need for a comprehensive EU Water Resilience Strategy. This approach aims to improve water quality and increase the competitiveness of the water sector, recognizing that land and sea activities are interconnected.

The report underscores the urgency for the maritime sector to enhance its efforts in minimizing its environmental impacts, particularly in reducing carbon footprints and addressing water pollution. Innovations and better management practices will be vital for achieving sustainability at a reasonable cost.

New EU initiatives are set to support the maritime sector’s transition towards sustainability. The EU has introduced a carbon price for greenhouse gas emissions from ships through the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), which will help fund low-carbon technology projects. Additionally, the FuelEU Maritime Regulation aims to promote low-carbon fuels and imposes limits on greenhouse gas intensity for energy used by ships starting in January 2025.

  • Methane emissions: Increased significantly, driven by the greater use of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
  • Air pollution: Major reductions in sulphur oxides but a rise in nitrogen oxides has been observed.
  • Water pollution: Continues from discharges and operational activities, with some regulations in place to address it.
  • Underwater noise: High levels detected in several European regions, prompting calls for mitigation.
  • Marine litter: Efforts have decreased litter from fisheries and shipping but challenges remain.
  • Impacted seabeds: Activities associated with maritime transport affecting nearly a third of near-shore seabeds.
  • Alien species: Shipping is a key vector for invasive species; management efforts show some success.
  • Collision risks: Increased shipping activity has led to higher risks of collisions with marine wildlife.



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