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.
Executives from ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy have raised alarms over the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, warning it could impose fines of up to 5% of global revenue. Exxon CEO Darren Woods called the directive “disastrous,” while QatarEnergy’s Saad al-Kaabi hinted at potentially halting gas shipments to Europe if unchanged.
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.
