- The second EMTER assesses the maritime sector’s progress towards decarbonisation and sustainability.
- Increased use of alternative fuels and improved waste management in ports show positive signs, though more production is needed.
- Maritime emissions continue to rise, highlighting the need for better alternatives and infrastructure investment.
- Regulatory measures like the Fuel EU Maritime Regulation aim to support the transition to low-carbon fuels.
The second European Maritime Transport Environmental Report (EMTER), a joint initiative by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the European Environment Agency (EEA), provides an updated analysis of the maritime transport sector’s progress in achieving Europe’s ambitious decarbonisation and environmental goals. The report highlights some promising advancements and underscores the pressing need for accelerated action in order to meet sustainability targets in the face of increasing regulatory demands, according to Project Cargo Journal.
Progress and Promising Developments
The report covers the period since the release of the first EMTER in 2021 and notes that there has been significant progress in several areas. Notable improvements include the enhanced delivery and collection of waste from ships at leading EU ports like Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Copenhagen. Additionally, alternative fuels and renewable power sources are becoming more prevalent, though they remain at a low base. The report emphasizes that the production of prospective alternative fuels must increase substantially to meet growing demand. It also calls for the development of more harmonized international guidelines to facilitate the transition to sustainable maritime practices.
Key Insights from the Maritime Industry
European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitikostas, highlighted the urgent need to address the green challenges faced by the maritime sector. He emphasized that the report serves as a call to action, urging stakeholders to collaborate on ensuring that maritime transport remains a critical player in the global economy while minimizing its environmental impact. The report reveals that in 2021, the maritime transport sector, excluding ports and fisheries, generated a gross value added (GVA) of €44.3 billion, marking a substantial growth compared to previous years. However, the sector’s environmental impact remains a concern, especially in light of its contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Rising Emissions and the Road Ahead
The report reveals that maritime transport accounted for 14.2% of the EU’s transport CO2 emissions in 2022, showing a steady increase since 2015. While certain regions like the Baltic Sea and Arctic have seen a significant rise in emissions, efforts to improve technical and operational efficiency have helped reduce emissions per unit of transport work. Despite these improvements, there is a pressing need to address the overall environmental pressures caused by the maritime sector.
Challenges and the Need for Reliable Data
Despite advancements in pollution reduction through various regulations, the report stresses the importance of having reliable, high-quality, and up-to-date data to guide future initiatives. With an eye on achieving emission reduction targets by 2030, the report emphasizes that limiting fossil fuel consumption will be essential, requiring substantial investment in alternative fuel infrastructure. Several decarbonisation options are under consideration by maritime stakeholders, but each option varies in terms of technological readiness, sustainability, and suitability for onboard use.
Training and the Workforce of the Future
A crucial aspect of achieving decarbonisation goals is the training of personnel. The report estimates that up to 800,000 seafarers may require training by the mid-2030s to support the transition to net-zero emissions by 2050. The report underscores the importance of concerted efforts to promote sustainable practices in the sector by investing in alternative fuels, improving energy efficiency, and establishing international training standards.
Technological Innovation and Cleaner Shipping Practices
The report highlights several key strategies that can help reduce emissions and environmental impact. These include reducing ship speeds, optimizing port calls, and enhancing hull monitoring and maintenance. Leena Ylä-Mononen, EEA Executive Director, emphasized the importance of accelerating the shift to cleaner fuels and sustainable port and shipping practices to mitigate the environmental impacts on marine and coastal ecosystems. The adoption of new technologies and better management practices is seen as essential to achieving long-term sustainability in the maritime sector.
The Role of the Fuel EU Maritime Regulation
The introduction of the new Fuel EU Maritime Regulation from January 2025 is a critical step towards a more sustainable maritime sector. This regulation mandates the gradual uptake of renewable and low-carbon fuels and the use of onshore power supply in ports starting in 2030. This regulation is set to apply uniformly to all ships over 5000 GT, regardless of their cargo type, with a “pooling mechanism” that allows shipping companies with high-performing vessels to share compliance credits with less efficient ships. This approach may provide a cost-effective solution for vessels that face challenges in transitioning to alternative fuels.
A Call to Action for a Sustainable Future
The second edition of EMTER calls for urgent and coordinated action across the maritime sector. By investing in alternative fuels, enhancing energy efficiency, and developing international training standards, stakeholders can significantly reduce the sector’s environmental footprint while ensuring its continued contribution to global trade. The report serves as a comprehensive analysis of the progress made and the challenges ahead, providing a roadmap for a sustainable maritime transport future.
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Source: Project Cargo Journal
