Report: EU Needs More Action on Decarbonization

The newly released European Maritime Transport Environmental Report 2025 highlights progress made in sustainable maritime transport but challenges still persist

According to the report, the sector is making progress towards greater sustainability but will need to increase its efforts over the coming years to play its part in meeting 2030 EU climate and environment goals and achieving a climate neutral EU by 2050.

CO₂ emissions from maritime transport in the EU have risen annually since 2015 (except for 2020), reaching 137.5 million tonnes in 2022—8.5% more than the previous year but still below pre-pandemic levels.

Methane (CH₄) emissions have at least doubled between 2018 and 2023, accounting for 26% of the transport sector's total methane emissions in 2022. This is largely attributed to the increased use of LNG.

Sulphur Oxide (SOx) emissions in the EU have dropped by about 70% since 2014, largely due to the introduction of SECAs (Sulphur Emission Control Areas) in Northern Europe. The Mediterranean SECA, set to take effect on May 1, 2025, is expected to contribute further reductions together with the one upcoming in North-East Atlantic Ocean controlling both SOx and NOx.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions rose by an average of 10%