European Maritime Environmental Report 2025 highlights progress towards sustainable shipping, but challenges remain

The second edition of the European Maritime Environmental Report has been 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 can make the sector more sustainable. According to the report, the sector is making progress towards greater sustainability, but will need to step up its efforts in the coming years to contribute to achieving the EU's 2030 climate and environmental targets and a climate-neutral EU by 2050.

The report calls for continued action and increased innovation in the sector. Key tools to achieve sustainable shipping in Europe are the Maritime Fuel EU Regulation, which encourages the use of low-carbon fuels in shipping, and the extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme to shipping, which sets a carbon price on greenhouse gas emissions from ships. In addition, global coordination, under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization, will also be crucial to move towards a more sustainable future for shipping.

Shipping plays a vital role in maintaining trade, economic growth, connectivity and accessibility, while contributing to energy security and job creation. However, the sector’s growing demand comes with additional environmental implications, including the contribution of 3-4% of EU CO₂ emissions and the damage to marine ecosystems caused by pollution from oil spills and sewage discharges, as well as marine noise. Although estimates suggest that marine litter from fisheries and shipping has halved over the last decade, there remains a serious challenge, particularly regarding losses of plastic pellets.

Sustainable Transport and Tourism Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas (pictured) welcomed the report: “The new Environmental Report on European Shipping is a valuable guide to the future of European shipping – one that is sustainable, competitive and resilient. It is also a call to action. By working together, we can ensure that shipping remains a vital player in our global economy, while minimising its environmental impact and preserving our oceans for future generations.”

Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Commissioner Jessika Roswall added: “We need a ‘source-to-sea’ approach, as activities at sea are closely linked to those on land. The time has come for transformations in the maritime and water sectors to make Europe water resilient."

The report is prepared jointly by the European Maritime Safety Agency and the European Environment Agency, with the support of the Commission.

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