Business is booming.

EU maritime transport progressing amid sustainability, environmental challenges

By Abbas Nazil

The European maritime transport sector is progressing toward sustainability but must intensify its efforts to meet EU climate and environmental targets.

The second edition of the European Maritime Transport Environmental Report, released by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the European Environment Agency (EEA), highlights both achievements and ongoing challenges in reducing energy use, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing marine biodiversity protection.

Maritime transport plays a vital role in trade, economic growth, energy security, and job creation across Europe.

However, increasing demand for maritime transport also brings significant environmental consequences.

The sector contributes between 3-4 percent of the EU’s total carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, a figure that must decrease to align with sustainability goals.

Methane (CH₄) emissions, largely driven by the increased use of liquefied natural gas (LNG), have more than doubled between 2018 and 2023, making up 26 percent of the sector’s methane output in 2022.

Air pollution remains a key issue, despite a 70 percent reduction in sulphur oxides (SOx) emissions since 2014 due to the introduction of Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs) in Northern Europe.

The Mediterranean SECA, effective in May 2025, is expected to bring further improvements. However, nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions increased by 10 percent between 2015 and 2023, contributing to 39% of transport-related NOx emissions in 2022.

The maritime sector also significantly impacts water pollution through oil spills and operational discharges.

Exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS), designed to reduce SOx emissions, account for 98 percent of permitted discharges but release pollutants into the sea, highlighting the trade-off between air and water pollution control.

Discharges from grey water, largely attributed to cruise ships, have increased by 40 percent since 2014. Additionally, marine litter from fisheries and shipping has declined over the past decade but remains a challenge, particularly plastic pellet pollution from lost containers.

Underwater noise pollution is another growing concern, with high levels recorded in the English Channel, Strait of Gibraltar, Adriatic Sea, Dardanelles Strait, and Baltic Sea.

Studies suggest that mitigation measures could reduce underwater radiated noise by up to 70 percent between 2030 and 2050. Seabed degradation is another issue, with approximately 27 percent of near-shore seabeds affected by maritime activities such as port expansions, dredging, and anchoring.

Invasive alien species also present a challenge, with shipping responsible for 60 percent of non-indigenous species introductions in Europe.

The Ballast Water Management Convention has led to a 31 percent increase in certified ships and a 23 percent rise in compliant systems by 2023, marking some progress.

However, increased shipping activity has led to a rise in collision risks with marine animals, particularly in Natura 2000 protected areas.

Despite these challenges, advancements in sustainable fuel adoption and decarbonization efforts are underway.

While alternative fuel use has increased, production must significantly scale up to meet demand. The FuelEU Maritime Regulation, effective from 2025, aims to promote low-carbon fuels and power solutions.

The extension of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to maritime transport in 2024 has set a precedent, with revenues financing innovative low-carbon shipping projects through the Innovation Fund.

European officials stress the urgency of maritime transport’s transition to sustainability.

EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, emphasized that the report serves as a call to action, urging collaboration to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.

Similarly, Jessika Roswall, EU Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy, announced plans for an EU Water Resilience Strategy, reinforcing the need for a comprehensive “source to sea” approach to protect Europe’s waters.

The report underscores the need for continued innovation, investment, and policy support to accelerate sustainability efforts.

While progress has been made, the maritime transport sector must adopt cleaner fuels, improve waste management, and mitigate its impact on marine and coastal ecosystems to meet EU environmental objectives.

below content

Quality journalism costs money. Today, we’re asking that you support us to do more. Support our work by sending in your donations.

The donation can be made directly into NatureNews Account below

Guaranty Trust Bank, Nigeria

0609085876

NatureNews Online

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More