“To ensure that shipping remains a vital factor in our global economy, while minimizing its impact on the environment,” said the Commissioner of Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, on the occasion of the publication of the European Maritime Report 2025.

The European maritime sector is making progress towards greater sustainability, but challenges remain. Efforts will need to be intensified in the coming years to help achieve the EU’s climate and environmental goals for 2030 and a climate-neutral EU by 2050. This conclusion is reached by the second environmental report on European maritime transport, which was released today.

The report calls for continued action and increased innovation in the sector. Key tools for achieving sustainable maritime transport in Europe are the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which encourages the use of low-carbon fuels in maritime transport, and the extension of the EU emissions trading system to maritime transport, which sets a carbon price on greenhouse gas emissions generated by ships. In addition, global coordination, under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization, will also be crucial to progress towards a more sustainable future in maritime transport.

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner of Sustainable Transport and Tourism, stated regarding the report: “The new environmental report on European maritime transport is a valuable guide for the future of European maritime transport, transport that is simultaneously sustainable, competitive, and resilient. This report is also a call to action. By working together, we can ensure that shipping remains a vital factor in our global economy, while minimizing its impact on the environment and preserving our oceans for future generations.”

The report highlights that maritime transport plays a vital role in maintaining trade, economic growth, connectivity, and accessibility while contributing to energy security and job creation. However, the increasing demand from the sector has additional environmental impacts, including its contribution of 3-4% of the EU’s CO₂ emissions and damage to marine ecosystems from oil spills and sewage discharges, as well as noise in the marine environment. Although estimates suggest that marine debris from fishing and shipping has halved over the past decade, it remains a serious challenge, especially when it comes to the loss of plastic pellets.

The report is jointly prepared by the European Maritime Safety Agency and the European Environment Agency, with the support of the European Commission. (5/2/2025)