The European Maritime Transport Environmental Report 2025 highlights the progress made in sustainable maritime transport, but challenges persist.
Today, the second edition of the European Maritime Transport Environmental Report was published. It provides an overview of the environmental impact of the European maritime sector within the EU, as well as an assessment of practices that could make the sector more sustainable. According to the report, the sector is progressing towards greater sustainability but will need to intensify its efforts in the coming years to contribute to achieving the EU’s climate and environmental goals by 2030 and to reach a climate-neutral EU by 2050.
The report calls for continued action and intensified 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 for greenhouse gas emissions produced by ships. Furthermore, global coordination under the umbrella of the International Maritime Organization will also be crucial to making progress toward a more sustainable future in maritime transport.
Maritime transport plays a vital role in maintaining trade, economic growth, connectivity, and accessibility, while also contributing to energy security and job creation. However, the growing demand in the sector brings additional environmental implications, including the contribution of 3 to 4% of the EU’s CO₂ emissions and damage to marine ecosystems from oil spills, wastewater discharges, and underwater noise. Although estimates suggest that marine waste from fishing and maritime transport has been halved over the past decade, significant challenges remain, especially regarding plastic pellet losses.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, welcomed the report: « The new European Maritime Transport Environmental Report is a valuable guide for the future of European maritime transport—one that is both sustainable, competitive, and resilient. This report is also a call to action. By working together, we can ensure that maritime transport remains a key player in our global economy, while minimizing its impact on the environment and preserving our oceans for future generations. »
Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy, added: « We need a ‘source-to-sea’ approach, as activities at sea are closely linked to land-based activities. The time has come to make transformations in both the maritime and water sectors to make Europe resilient to water challenges. »
The report is jointly prepared by the European Maritime Safety Agency and the European Environment Agency, with the support of the Commission.
Source: ec.europa
