The 2025 European Maritime Transport Environmental Report (EMTER), published by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the European Environment Agency (EEA), provides an updated assessment of the environmental impact of the maritime sector. While the industry remains crucial for trade and economic growth, it continues to contribute significantly to emissions, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

The report highlights that CO₂ emissions from maritime transport rose to 137.5 million tonnes in 2022, accounting for 3-4% of total EU emissions. While sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions have dropped by 70% since 2014, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions have increased by 10% since 2015. Other concerns include underwater noise pollution, plastic pellet spills, and the spread of invasive species through shipping routes.

The EU has introduced measures to accelerate decarbonisation, including the extension of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) to shipping in 2024 and the FuelEU Maritime Regulation coming into effect in 2025. However, the transition to cleaner fuels will require significant investment in production capacity and infrastructure.

Read the report here.