Shipping

Transport timetable: What’s moving in late 2020

Europe's transport sector, already hard hit by the coronavirus outbreak, faces a crucial and possibly defining end to 2020. EU and global targets will start to bite, while new technologies will face a challenging acid test.

Norway’s €2.1bn carbon-capture mega-project gets approval

The Norwegian government’s decision to fund the scale-up of carbon-capture-storage (CCS) technology with more than €2 billion got the green light from a state aid regulator on Friday (17 July). It is the largest tranche of funding ever approved by the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) body.

MEPs set to navigate shipping into the EU’s carbon market

Members of the European Parliament’s environment committee will vote on Tuesday (7 July) on a package of measures intended to clean up the maritime sector and include shipping in the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS).

Denmark’s e-ferry passes sea trials in style

The world’s largest all-electric ferry completed 10 months of trials last week, as the EU-funded project revealed that battery-powered boats will save operators money compared to their diesel counterparts during their decades of service.

Danish groups team up to deliver green hydrogen for transport fuel

Renewable energy company Ørsted and Copenhagen Airport are amongst the consortium of businesses aiming to develop a hydrogen and sustainable transport fuel facility in the heart of the Danish capital. EURACTIV's media partner edie.net reports.

Carnival to resume cruises in August despite infections and deaths on ships

Carnival Cruise Line has announced plans to resume operations at the beginning of August despite dozens of deaths on cruise ships during the virus pandemic and investigations into the industry’s possible role in spreading the disease around the planet. EURACTIV's partner The Guardian reports.

Europe should not give cruising a blank cheque

The US has shut out the cruise industry from its $2 trillion pot of bailout money but in Europe, everything is still up for grabs. It should not be given a blank cheque, writes Sönke Diesener.

Coronavirus spreads on French aircraft carrier, 700 sailors infected

Nearly 700 sailors assigned to the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle's naval group have tested positive for the coronavirus, the armed forces ministry said on Wednesday (15 April).

Europe braces for cruise ship arrivals

The European Commission issued more practical coronavirus advice on Wednesday (8 April), urging national governments to set up special ports that can process seafarers and up to 8,000 cruise ship passengers, due to disembark in Europe this week.

Cleaner ships get backing of EU ministers

EU transport ministers agreed on Wednesday (11 March) that greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping sector need to be reduced significantly. But a looming dispute over whether to tackle the sector at EU or global level could scuttle efforts.

Commission lists regions ripe for just transition cash

The European Commission revealed on Wednesday (26 February) which specific parts of the EU are eligible to split a €7.5 billion-strong climate fund, earmarked for spending on cleaning up heavy industry and supporting workers in the fossil fuel industry.

Cambodia stages PR stunt with passengers of ‘coronavirus’ cruise ship

Passengers on a cruise ship that was turned away from ports around Asia over fears they could be carrying the new coronavirus finally began disembarking in Cambodia on Friday (14 February). Cambodia’s strongman premier Hun Sen welcomed around 100 tourists...

EU starts to chart shipping’s new green course

The shipping industry will soon have to pay for its environmental impact in the EU, as both the European Commission and Parliament are moving forward with plans to include vessels in the bloc’s flagship carbon market. But there are choppy waters ahead.

UK plans to create 10 free ports to jolt post-Brexit economy

Britain plans to announce the location of up to 10 post-Brexit freeports by the end this year so they can begin operating in 2021, the government said on Sunday (9 February).

Air pollution-busting ship fuel in climate backlash

New rules aimed at reducing air pollution from shipping may end up worsening the sector’s climate impact, according to new research, which warns that low sulphur fuels could end up producing more climate-bashing emissions, known as black carbon.

Shipping to splash out on ammonia in green bid

A shipbuilder and engine maker are among leading companies looking to develop a vessel that can run on ammonia as part of efforts to speed up carbon reductions in shipping through cleaner fuel options, officials said on Wednesday (15 January).

New clean shipping fuel rules, but who polices the polluters?

Sweeping new fuel rules aiming to cut pollution belching from ships and save lives are now just a couple of weeks away but with no central policing agency and several countries still not signed up to them, compliance is a...

Poland’s shipyards face uncertain future

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has announced reconstruction plans for the country's battered shipbuilding industry. However, there is still no clear strategy and the current ideas have been slow to come go beyond mere concept.

Greening mobility: Are we acting fast enough?

Transport has brought plenty of benefits to society, providing jobs, connecting people and moving goods. It now has to face its next challenge: reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Time to steer shipping into the EU carbon market

The UN shipping body’s failure to agree on immediate climate measures means the incoming European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, must make good of her promise to include the maritime sector under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), aruges Sam Van den plas.

Europe must stand firm and clean up shipping’s giant CO2 emissions 

More people than ever are aware that the giant ships carrying 80% of global trade are also giant polluters. Green MEP Bas Eickhout argues that regulators face a choice between real and fake CO2 regulations for shipping at UN negotiations next week.

Carbon levy should fund cleaner shipping fuels, say top executives

Executives at some of the world’s top shipping groups are advocating a levy on carbon emissions on shipping in an effort to shape tightening rules on greenhouse gas emissions while providing a means to fund development of cleaner fuel sources.

UK government urged to factor international aviation and shipping into climate plans

Aviation and shipping should be included in the UK government's climate planning, according to an expert panel, which was already decisive in pushing lawmakers towards adopting a net-zero target for 2050. EURACTIV's partner edie.net reports.