The European Commission plans to propose measures to strengthen the EU shipping industry by promoting “Made in EU” initiatives. These will encourage public authorities to consider sustainability and product origin in supplier selection. The European Investment Bank may also ease financing for shipowners, enhancing local ship production and competitiveness.
European shipowners can now streamline their vessel recycling processes with new European Commission guidelines. Updated certification formats simplify documentation for hazardous materials, allowing compliance with both the EU’s Ship Recycling Regulation and the Hong Kong Convention through a single certificate, reducing bureaucracy while maintaining regulatory standards.
Experts from the EU CLEANSHIP project discovered that B100 FAME biodiesel can reduce black carbon emissions from ships by up to 81% at low engine loads and 61% at high loads, compared to traditional marine gas oil. This significant reduction highlights biodiesel’s potential to improve the shipping industry’s climate footprint.
The European Union is funding a cross-border initiative in the Øresund region to enhance carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. With a budget over $1.4 million, this project aims to create a Danish-Swedish collaboration platform, integrating CCUS into the regional energy system for sustainable fuel production.
The TwinShip consortium has launched its fourth pilot demonstration: an unmanned Ro-Ro vessel powered by green fuels and renewable energy, targeting Net Zero Emissions by 2045. Utilizing advanced digital twin technology, the project optimizes voyage planning and explores renewable energy as a cost-saving and decarbonization strategy for sustainable maritime operations.
The European Union has intensified sanctions against Russia, adding 41 vessels linked to its shadow fleet, aimed at curbing funding for the war in Ukraine. This brings the total sanctioned vessels to nearly 600, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to uphold sanctions and support Ukraine’s sovereignty amid ongoing aggression.
The European Union has expanded its sanctions against Russia, targeting nine individuals and entities associated with a shadow fleet transporting Russian oil illegally. Notably sanctioned is Murtaza Ali Lakhani, overseeing key operations, alongside executives from the 2Rivers Group. These measures aim to disrupt networks aiding Russia’s crude oil shipments amidst ongoing military aggression.
The European Commission has launched an investigation into Terminal Investment Limited Holding’s proposed joint control of Terminal Catalunya with Hutchison Ports. Concerns have been raised about potential price increases and reduced service quality at the key Barcelona container terminal, which may hinder competition and impact shipping costs.
In 2024, EU ports welcomed 412.3 million passengers, marking a recovery from pandemic lows. This increase of 18.8 million passengers, or 4.8%, reflects ongoing growth, though numbers remain slightly below pre-pandemic levels. Italy led with 93.5 million passengers, followed by Greece and Denmark, showcasing significant regional variances.
V.Ships has integrated OceanScore’s Compliance Manager to navigate EU environmental regulations, enhancing compliance with the EU Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime. This partnership streamlines processes and automates invoicing, ensuring operational excellence. James Helliwell noted the added complexity of these regulations, but expressed confidence in OceanScore’s support for overcoming challenges.
Seventy projects across Europe will receive over €600 million in EU grants to electrify and decarbonize transport sectors, including road, maritime, and air travel. This initiative will enhance infrastructure with electric charging and hydrogen refueling stations, supporting the transition to zero-emission mobility and improving sustainability across the continent.
The EU vessel ESPS Victoria successfully reached the Malta-flagged tanker Hellas Aphrodite, hijacked by pirates off Somalia. All 24 crew members were found safe, as confirmed by Diaplous Group. The ESPS Victoria will remain with the tanker until it can navigate independently, highlighting ongoing piracy concerns in the region.
The European Commission has launched a €2.9 billion initiative to enhance investments in green fuels by 2027, targeting aviation and maritime sectors, which account for 26.4% of the EU’s transport emissions. By 2035, 20 million tonnes of sustainable fuels will be needed, necessitating €100 billion in investments to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
The European Commission has launched its Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) to boost the aviation and maritime sectors’ energy transition. By 2035, around 20 million tonnes of sustainable fuels will be needed, requiring a €100 billion investment. The plan aims for climate neutrality by 2050, emphasizing regulatory stability to attract funding.
Sweden is committed to helping India develop a sustainable industrial framework in line with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). State Secretary Sara Modig emphasized Sweden’s readiness to assist India’s transition to low-carbon manufacturing, highlighting its expertise in technology transfer, particularly for the rapidly growing steel industry.
