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On 4 February, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the European Environment Agency (EEA) jointly published the second edition of the European Maritime Transport Environmental Report. The report highlights the progress made by the European shipping sector towards a sustainable path but notes that efforts must be increased to meet EU climate and environmental goals.

Maritime transport accounts for around 3-4% of the EU’s overall CO2 emissions and have been rising annually since 2015 (except in 2020), reaching 137.5 million tonnes in 2022 - 8.5% more than the previous year, but still below pre-pandemic levels. In addition, methane emissions have at least doubled between 2018 and 2023, accounting for 26% of the transport sector's total methane emissions in 2022, largely due to the increased use of LNG. Shipping also has an important impact on marine ecosystems through pollution from oil spills and wastewater discharge, as well as underwater noise. Although estimates suggest marine litter from fisheries and shipping, have decreased by half over the past decade, it remains a serious challenge to address, in particular plastic pellets losses.

The report also reveals that the use of alternative fuels and sources of power has increased, despite being still marginal. However, as it currently stands, some prospective alternative fuels will need to significantly increase production to be able to meet potential demand. Efforts must be pursued to drive the decarbonisation of maritime transport, notably through the already agreed EU legislative framework, coupled with financing opportunities, and investment: Revenues from ETS would help fund programme for low-carbon technologies and FuelEU Maritime is incentivising low carbon fuels and power solutions with GHG intensity limits on energy used on board by ships. Global coordination at IMO should also help driving emissions from shipping down and restore marine environments.

Source: European Maritime Safety Agency