The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has published a report providing a factual analysis of the environmental pressures and emissions exerted by the shipping sector in the EU. 

This second edition of the European Maritime Transport Environmental Report (EMTER 2025) examines the progress made towards achieving Europe′s decarbonization targets and environmental goals for the maritime sector while indicating the most important trends, key challenges, and opportunities.

"Shipping carries more than two thirds of intra-EU freight flows, and does so efficiently, in terms of energy consumption. But we can still do better. For the climate and environment, all sectors of the economy have to help reduce pressure on the planet′s climate and resources", explained Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism; Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy; and Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans

Read More: EMSA: Safety considerations for hydrogen-fuelled ships

Air emissions

According to the report, shipping accounts for 14.2% of the EU carbon emissions from transport, behind the road sector, and almost equivalent to the aviation sector. CO2 emissions from maritime transport have increased annually in the EU since 2015 (except for 2020), amounting to 137.5 million tonnes in 2022, 8.5% more than the previous year.

Methane (CH4) emissions from maritime transport have at least doubled between 2018-2023 and constitute 26% of the transport sector’s total methane emissions in 2022.

Sulphur oxides (SOx) emissions in the EU have decreased by about 70% since 2014, largely due to the introduction of Emission Control Areas for SOx (SECAs) in Northern Europe. The Mediterranean SECA, set to take effect on 1st May 2025, is expected to replicate this success in that region, and North-East Atlantic countries are considering establishing an ECA, potentially by 2027.

In contrast, Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from the maritime sector have risen significantly in 2015-2023, by an average of 10% across the EU, despite the North and Baltic Seas being designated as NOx ECAs since 2021 due to low penetration rates as requirements apply to new ships only.

Water pollution

Maritime transport contributes to water pollution through the emission of hazardous substances, primarily oil spills, but also through operational discharges such as grey water and waste from exhaust gas cleaning systems (ECGS). Noticeably, open-loop ECGS account for 98% of permitted water discharges, with the remaining 2% comprising grey waters, sewage, bilge water, and closed-loop ECGS. Furthermore, the discharge of grey water has increased by 40% from 2014 to 2023, mainly due to the growth in cruise ship operations.

Enhanced satellite technology can now detect smaller possible oil spills on the sea′s surface than ever before. Most of the 2023 possible incidents detected from space by the CleanSeaNet service covered an area of less than two km².

New pan-European model data allows for quantitative comparisons of underwater radiated noise from shipping, revealing high sound pressure level (SPL) values in parts of the English Channel, the Strait of Gibraltar, parts of the Adriatic Sea, the Dardanelles Strait, and some regions in the Baltic Sea. Forecast data suggests that technical and operational mitigation measures could reduce noise by up to 70% between 2030 and 2050.

Marine litter attributed to fisheries (11.2%) and shipping (1.8%) sources in the regional seas around Europe is estimated to be decreasing, reaching half of the values from a decade ago. In addition, there is an increasing amount of data on waste deliveries from ships to EU ports each year. However, challenges remain in tackling plastic pollution, such as the release of pellets from lost containers.

In 2022, while 13.2% of the global fleet was flagged under an EU Member State, only 7% of end-of-life vessels recycled carried such a flag at the time of disposal. This underscores how re-flagging continues to undermine EU efforts for safe and environmentally sound ship recycling.

Read More: Distress at sea: open reporting is a maritime safety must

Biodiversity

Maritime transport impacts biodiversity through activities like port expansions, dredging, and anchoring that affect 27% of Europe’s near-shore seabed and lead to physical disturbances or habitat loss. There has also been a notable rise in collision risks of ships with marine wildlife within Natura 2000 protected areas.

While the number of non-indigenous species (NIS) keeps increasing, the introductions of invasive alien species (IAS) peaked in 2000-2005 and have since decreased. The International Ballast Water Management Convention entered into force in 2017, and by 2023, 31% of the ships held an International Ballast Water Management Certificate, while 23% had compliant ballast water management systems.

Decarbonization, alternative fuels, and technologies

Recently adopted EU legislation, such as the extension of the ETS to maritime transport and the FuelEU Maritime initiative, can be expected to advance the decarbonization of the sector. An increasing number of ships are being equipped with alternative fuel systems, indicating a shift towards greener energy solutions. The use of batteries is increasing, with the fleet using them expected to double in the coming years. While the number of ships using methanol remains low, it is growing, as are the numbers of ships using wind propulsion and hydrogen.

At least 44 EU ports have already implemented onshore power connections (OPS), with 352 berths having shore-to-ship power supply facilities. However, only a limited number of ships have the necessary equipment to connect to high-voltage OPS.

Data and knowledge gaps

The absence of monitoring data and standardized reporting requirements in the maritime sector, for example for pollutants such as NOx, Volatile Organic Compounds, Particulate Matter, and Black Carbon, hinders the comprehensive assessment of their environmental impacts. Digitalisation, along with advanced remote and in-situ monitoring technologies, can help bridge these gaps.

"We trust that with coordinated efforts, maritime transport can continue to thrive in a way that benefits the wellbeing of European citizens and protects the environment and climate", said Maja Markovčić Kostelac, EMSA Executive Director.

 

Read Here

 

 

Issue 95 of Robban Assafina

(Jan/ Feb 2025)

 

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