maritime transport

The European Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) will be aligned with the European climate protection target of reducing emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990. In May and June 2023, the legal acts entered into force. Now the European Commission, in agreement with the member states, must draw up a variety of rules to implement the reform.

The German Environment Agency has commissioned a project to study the effects of discharge water from exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) of ships on the marine environment. Scrubber discharge contains pollutants such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are classified as extremely hazardous. Discharge bans - at least regional - are recommended.

More and larger ships are sailing the world's oceans. Due to their high tonnages, ocean-going vessels can be a comparably environment-friendly means of transport. There is still considerable potential to design and construct them in such a way that they pollute the environment less. Proposals need to be developed and implemented at all levels of maritime policy..

In order to achieve the EU's 2030 climate target, a reform of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is necessary. The amount of issued certificates is to be reduced and the financial support for climate protection measures expanded. In addition, maritime transport is to be covered by the EU ETS in future and a new emissions trading scheme for buildings and road transport is to be created.

In an initial step to reduce climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport, shipping companies must monitor and report their emissions starting 01.01.2018. The German Emissions Trading Authority at UBA (DEHSt) is the competent authority for emissions monitoring in Germany.

Seagoing vessels are a relatively energy-efficient mode of transport but they also cause a lot of air pollution. How great is air pollution at sea and along the coast? How can shipping become environmentally friendly in the future? The UBA is hosting an international conference in Berlin on 17-18 November 2016 to answer these questions. The conference will focus on the North and Baltic Seas.