Reconciling CO₂ emissions reduction and competitiveness in shipping 

European Maritime Transport Environmental Report 2021

Sea freight dominates, accounting for 71% of trade in 2007 and 77% in 2019. Every year, this trend is confirmed, underlining the structuring role of sea freight in the European Union's trade with third countries.

By way of comparison, other modes remain very marginal: road transport accounts for just 7% in 2019, while rail transport remains stable at 4% over the two periods.

Air transport, though fast-moving, remains negligible in this context, while "fixed infrastructure" (such as pipelines) declines slightly, from 12% to 11%, and other modes drop from 6% to 2%.

Not only is sea freight the backbone of European foreign trade, its importance has grown even further between 2007 and 2019. This development is taking place against a backdrop of tightening environmental and trade regulations, consolidating the central role of the maritime sector in international trade.

✅Switching to greener technologies

Modernizing the fleet is an essential first lever:

• Hybrid or all-electric ships: the Yara Birlekand (electric ship) in Norway is capable of sailing without greenhouse gas emissions, thanks to an all-electric propulsion system powered by 6.7 Mwh lithium-ion batteries supplied by Leclanché. But the journey is still a short distance.

• Alternative energy sources :
  • LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas): reduces CO₂e emissions by approx. 20 % compared with heavy fuel oil.
  • Green hydrogen and ammonia: zero CO₂ emissions at the point of use, but their deployment remains conditioned by cost and infrastructure.

   

• Vehicle assistance systems: projects such as Oceanbird by Wallenius Marine are based on ships powered 90% by wind.

💯 Route optimization and navigation practices

• Slow steaming: A 20% reduction in speed can cut fuel consumption by up to 40%, according to the former head of Barry Rogliano Salles (BRS).
• Route optimization using artificial intelligence: use real-time weather to choose shorter or more fuel-efficient routes.
• Hydrodynamic improvement: The Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) indicates that, with appropriate management, a smooth hull can deliver fuel savings of up to 10%.

💚Vers un transport maritime durable: coopération, régulation et marché du carbone

The ecological transition of maritime transport depends on collective efforts. Cooperation between public and private players is essential. Every year, sea freight generates around 3% of the world's greenhouse gases (GHGs). Coordination is therefore essential

1. Sharing environmental data:

Transparency on CO₂e performance is becoming a competitive criterion. Shipping companies, charterers and shippers are comparing vessels according to their energy efficiency. This is driving the adoption of cleaner solutions.

2. IMO EEXI and CII standards:

Since 2023, the IMO has imposed two key indicators, EEXI (Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index) and CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator). Shipowners must optimize their vessels' consumption to remain compliant.

3. Public-private partnerships:

These partnerships facilitate the financing of alternative fuels (LNG, methanol, green ammonia) and clean technologies (rigid sails, hydrogen, CO₂ capture). They also give access to European aid, such as that provided by the Green Pact.

4. Maritime ETS market:

In 2024, the European Union includes the maritime sector in its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Shipping companies will have to buy CO₂ allowances for a share of their emissions.

This system reinforces the "polluter pays" principle and creates economic pressure to decarbonize. As a result, freight-related operating costs could rise.

Compliance with international regulations, particularly those of the IMO, requires rapid adaptation. Not to mention the fact that transparency through regular reporting on emissions and actions taken strengthens the credibility of environmental commitments.

The benefits of reducing CO₂e emissions for businesses

Reducing emissions is not just a regulatory obligation. It's also a responsible approach, in line with society's current expectations in the face of climate change.

Reducing costs and improving efficiency

At a time when air pollution from shipping contributes not only to greenhouse gas emissions, but also to the emission of fine particles, every player in the industry needs to rethink their business model.

• On average, fuel represents 50 à 60 % of a ship's operating costs
• Lower consumption therefore directly reduces financial expenses.

In France, as elsewhere, regulatory and societal pressure is intensifying to accelerate the energy transition. Using energy more efficiently is becoming both an economic imperative and a strategic opportunity.

What's more, anticipating future carbon taxes (such as the proposed EU maritime tax scheduled for 2026) and quotas imposed by the European carbon market (ETS) for maritime transport, helps avoid heavy economic penalties.

Enhancing corporate image and regulatory compliance

Today, we are witnessing a growing demand for social and environmental responsibility (SER), and positioning oneself as a committed player is a strong competitive advantage:

• Strengthen customer loyalty.
• Attract ESG-sensitive investors.
• Meet international regulatory requirements (Paris Agreement, Fit for 55, European carbon market, etc.).

Contributing to the long-term sustainability of the maritime sector

Shipping companies need to adopt a sustainable strategy now to ensure the long-term future of their business. Implementing concrete measures will enable more responsible freight transport and limit the risks associated with future regulations.

1. Use of alternative energies

Adoption of low-carbon fuels such as LNG (liquefied natural gas), green methanol or ammonia to reduce environmental impact.

2. Dockside electrification (cold ironing)

Connecting ships to shore power when docked, to switch off auxiliary engines and limit greenhouse gas and fine particle emissions in ports.

3. Route optimization

Implementation of intelligent routing software to reduce fuel consumption and avoid ecologically sensitive areas.

4. Eco-optimized speed (slow steaming)

Voluntary reduction in ship speed to cut energy consumption and CO₂e emissions.

5. Installation of hybrid or veliac propulsion systems

Integration of rigid sails, rotors or wings to harness wind energy as a complement to the motor.

6. Fleet modernization

Gradual replacement of older vessels with more efficient, less polluting and better insulated units.

7. Ballast water treatment and waste management

Adoption of ballast water treatment systems and compliance with on-board waste management standards.

8. Environmental certification

Obtaining labels or certifications (such as ISO 14001 or Green Marine Europe) to formalize the company's environmental commitment.

By reducing their environmental impact and promoting the use of cleaner energy, they strengthen their position in climate-sensitive markets. Acting today means anticipating tomorrow's challenges and ensuring a more stable, sustainable future.

At TkBlue Agency, we support shipping industry players in their energy transition in concrete and measurable ways:

• Precise assessment of the carbon footprint of your logistics flows according to ISO 14083 and GLEC standards.
• Identification of levers for improvement through customized environmental audits.
• Implement reliable, certified environmental reporting in line with stakeholder expectations (customers, regulators, investors).
• Enhancing your CSR commitments: by integrating your performance into a label recognized on the international market.

Whether you're a shipping company, a port, or a government regulator, we provide you with accurate data and reliable information to inform your decisions and boost the sustainable performance of your operations.

Thanks to our innovative digital tools and certified expertise, we can help you transform your environmental constraints into genuine strategic assets for your future development.