The European Union has reaffirmed its support for the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, despite opposition from the Trump administration. A vote on the initiative, which aims to implement a carbon-pricing regime for international shipping, is scheduled for October 14-17. The EU emphasizes the framework’s importance in decarbonizing the shipping sector.
DNV has launched the first public tender portal for e-methanol procurement in the EU and UK, connecting industrial offtakers with European producers. This initiative aims to enhance the availability of low-carbon fuel essential for maritime transport and heavy industry, aligning with Europe’s renewable energy regulations and accelerating the shift toward cleaner energy solutions.
Ahti Climate has secured additional funding from Business Finland to enhance its Ahti Pool platform, following an initial grant in September 2024. This funding aims to strengthen Ahti’s growth strategy and product differentiation in the maritime emissions compliance sector, facilitating compliance with the upcoming FuelEU Maritime regulations effective January 1, 2025.
The health of oceans improved with a new ban on scrubber discharge, supported by EU ministers and 15 countries. At the OSPAR Convention, officials agreed to prohibit pollutants from exhaust gas cleaning systems. By 2027, open-loop scrubber discharges will be banned, followed by closed-loop discharges by 2029.
The health of oceans has improved following a ban on scrubber discharges agreed upon by EU environmental ministers and 15 nations during the OSPAR meeting. This ban targets harmful pollutants from exhaust gas cleaning systems. By 2027, open-loop scrubber discharges will be prohibited in the North-East Atlantic, enhancing marine protection.
On Monday, a Frontex vessel sank off Lesvos during a search for migrants after their boat from Turkey encountered difficulties. Rough seas caused the patrol boat to strike a rock, leading to flooding. Six crew members were rescued, while authorities continue to search for four missing individuals. An investigation is underway.
Experts from the Philippines and the European Union convened in Manila to tackle rising threats to critical infrastructure, including sea cables and cyber networks. This seminar, part of the Philippines-EU Security and Defense Dialogue, emphasized collective responsibility and coordinated efforts to safeguard essential services against hybrid threats like cyberattacks and misinformation.
The EU Seaport Cooperation Project (SEACOP), launched in 2015, has bolstered maritime security in Latin America, the Caribbean, and West Africa by combating illicit trafficking. Through intelligence sharing and training, SEACOP has empowered 750 officers across 13 nations, leading to over 120 successful operations against transnational crime.
A new EU agreement has expanded the European Maritime Safety Agency’s (EMSA) role to enhance maritime security, addressing cybersecurity, the green transition, and emerging threats. EMSA will support EU member states in cyber defense, pollution response, and surveillance, adapting to modern challenges while ensuring effective resource management for its expanded responsibilities.
The European Council and Parliament have reached a provisional agreement to enhance the European Maritime Safety Agency’s (EMSA) mission. This initiative addresses evolving maritime challenges, including cybersecurity. Polish Minister Dariusz Klimczak stated that revising EMSA’s mandate will ensure its effectiveness in tackling safety, pollution, and decarbonization in the maritime sector.
A coalition of 82 non-profits and clean energy groups is urging the EU to strengthen climate initiatives in shipping. Following the IMO’s recent inadequate measures, they highlight that nearly 90% of shipping emissions remain unpriced, jeopardizing the transition to cleaner energy and risking failure to meet 2030 targets.
A coalition of 82 non-profits and industry stakeholders has urged the EU to adopt stronger policies to support the shipping industry’s climate goals. They criticized recent International Maritime Organization measures as insufficient for achieving decarbonization, emphasizing the need for enhanced support for green hydrogen and e-fuels to meet emissions targets.
The European Commission has updated the Vessel Monitoring Directive to require all vessels in EU waters to provide insurance information, enhancing safety and environmental protection. Director-General Magda Kopczyńska stressed the importance of this measure in improving coastal states’ preparedness. The EU’s commitment to maritime safety is further demonstrated through proposed amendments to Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems.
Ukrainian officials have extended a freight liberalisation agreement allowing Ukrainian cargo to enter the EU without permits. This agreement, signed in 2022, streamlines trade operations by eliminating the need for transport permits. The extension is crucial due to the impact of the Russian invasion on Black Sea ports, making trade flow maintenance essential.
The European Union is reevaluating the biofuel certification process amid concerns of fraud, potentially suspending ISCC certifications for waste-derived biofuels. The shipping industry in Europe is moving towards using ISCC-certified biofuels, but questions remain about sustainability and food production impacts. The upcoming MEPC 83 meeting will address strategies for greener shipping practices.
