“To maintain shipping as a crucial element of our global economy while reducing its environmental footprint,” stated Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, during the release of the European Maritime Report 2025.
The European maritime industry is advancing towards improved sustainability, though challenges persist. Increased efforts are essential in the coming years to meet the EU’s climate and environmental targets for 2030, and work toward achieving a climate-neutral EU by 2050. This conclusion is drawn from the second environmental report on European maritime transport published today.
The report calls for ongoing action and heightened innovation within the sector. Significant measures for attaining sustainable maritime transport in Europe include the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which promotes the adoption of low-carbon fuels in shipping, and the extension of the EU emissions trading system to maritime activities, establishing a carbon price on emissions produced by vessels. Furthermore, global cooperation, particularly under the International Maritime Organization, will be critically important for advancing toward a more sustainable maritime future.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, commented on the report: “This new environmental report on European maritime transport serves as a crucial roadmap for the future of our sector, ensuring that it is sustainable, competitive, and resilient. It is also a call to action. By collaborating, we can guarantee that shipping continues to be an essential component of our global economy while minimizing its environmental impact and safeguarding our oceans for future generations.”
The report emphasizes the essential role of maritime transport in supporting trade, economic growth, connectivity, and accessibility, as well as contributing to energy security and job creation. However, increased demand from the sector has also led to significant environmental challenges, including its contribution of 3-4% of the EU’s CO₂ emissions, harm to marine ecosystems from oil spills and sewage discharges, and noise pollution in marine environments. While estimates indicate that marine debris from fishing and shipping has decreased significantly over the past decade, the issue remains serious, particularly concerning the loss of plastic pellets.
This report is a collaborative effort of the European Maritime Safety Agency and the European Environment Agency, with support from the European Commission. (5/2/2025)
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