How the Green Deal Makes Maritime Shipping More Sustainable
Author: Jeroen Berger • Publication date:
The Green Deal Maritime Shipping, signed on June 11, 2019, promotes sustainable shipping through CO2 reduction, energy efficiency, and the use of alternative ship fuels. In collaboration with ministries, provinces, ports, industry organizations, and knowledge institutions, this agreement establishes that the emission of harmful pollutants—such as greenhouse gases (including CO2)—from ocean-going ships must be significantly reduced. But what does this green transition concretely mean for Dutch maritime shipping in 2025 and beyond?
In this article, you will discover how the Green Deal makes maritime shipping more sustainable. We highlight practical measures such as the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, and explore technological innovations including retrofit solutions and shore power facilities. We also discuss how cross-sector collaborations contribute to CO2 reduction, energy efficiency, and the use of sustainable fuels. Finally, we show which financial incentives are available to accelerate this sustainable transition.
IMO Objectives for CO2 Reduction
The goals of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) form the foundation of this sustainability effort. On April 13, 2018, the IMO set ambitious CO2 reduction targets for maritime shipping. For instance, by 2050, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 50% compared to 2008. Additionally, CO2 emissions per ton-kilometer must be reduced by 40% in 2030 and by 70% in 2050.
To achieve these climate goals, the standards of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) have been tightened. From 2025, EEDI Phase 3 will apply, meaning that new ships must be at least 30% more efficient than reference ships from 2008.
EU Emissions Trading System (ETS)
Since January 1, 2024, maritime shipping has been subject to the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). This market instrument, through which the European Union aims to cost-effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, obliges shipowners and shipping companies to purchase emission allowances for their CO2 emissions. The ETS applies to seagoing vessels of 5,000 gross tonnage (GT) or greater that engage in commercial activities such as freight and passenger transport.
The implementation is phased: in 2024, 40% of emissions are subject to allowances; in 2025 this increases to 70%, and from 2026 the ETS applies to 100% of emissions. This approach encourages shipping companies to invest in clean technologies, energy efficiency, and sustainable fuels.
FuelEU Maritime Regulation
Another important pillar is the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which is part of the “Fit for 55” legislative package. From January 1, 2025, ocean-going ships calling at European ports must meet stricter fuel requirements. These rules apply to ships of 5,000 GT and above, with the exception of naval vessels, fishing boats, and recreational vessels.
In 2025, the CO2 intensity of marine fuels must be reduced by 2%, increasing to 14.5% in 2030 and 80% in 2050. This makes sustainable alternatives, such as biofuels, hydrogen, ammonia, and synthetic fuels, increasingly important.
Ambitions and Progress up to 2025
The Dutch maritime sector aims to go beyond the international agreements. By 2030, at least one zero-emission ocean-going ship must be operational, and by 2050 the sector aims for a 70% absolute CO2 reduction compared to 2008, with the ultimate goal of completely climate-neutral maritime shipping.
Since the signing of the Green Deal Maritime Shipping, significant steps have been taken. For instance, CO2 emissions per transport performance have already been reduced by 25% compared to 2008, surpassing the original target of 20% for 2024. This progress is partly due to the adoption of alternative fuels, energy-efficient technologies, and operational optimizations.
Additionally, several zero-emission ocean-going ships are now operational, powered by hydrogen and methanol, especially for short and medium distances. Moreover, extensive shore power facilities have been established in ports such as Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Vlissingen. This allows ships to switch off their engines while docked, significantly improving local air quality.
Furthermore, there is a clear shift from LNG to biofuels, hydrogen, and ammonia. This transition is supported, for instance, by European subsidies and collaborations within the sector. This has led to significant progress in the sustainability of the maritime sector, with concrete results throughout the entire logistics chain.
Sustainable Technologies and Retrofit Solutions
The sustainable transformation of shipping is not limited to newbuild vessels. Existing ships can also meet the objectives of the Green Deal Maritime Shipping and become more environmentally friendly through retrofit solutions. Key technologies include:
- hydrodynamic optimization: optimized hull shapes, more efficient propellers, nozzles, and rudders reduce water resistance and lower fuel consumption;
- waste heat recovery: heat from engines can be reused, leading to more efficient energy use on board and less waste;
- advanced energy management systems: these systems provide real-time monitoring and optimization, enabling ships to continuously operate at their most efficient levels;
- emission reduction: ship engines are increasingly equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems, which reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) by more than 80%, in line with IMO Tier III standards;
- sulphur reduction: to comply with sulphur standards in the Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs), low-sulphur fuel is increasingly used, while the application of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS), also known as scrubbers, is declining due to concerns about discharging wash water;
- sustainable propulsion: electric and hybrid drives with batteries, along with the rise of fuel cells, contribute to zero-emission propulsion;
- slow steaming: by intentionally sailing at lower speeds, fuel consumption is reduced and emissions are significantly lowered, an effect further reinforced by just-in-time voyage planning through optimized logistics processes.
Financial Incentives and Collaboration
To support the transition to climate-friendly and energy-efficient maritime shipping and achieve the goals of the Green Deal Maritime Shipping, the Dutch government, together with the sector, provides financial incentives. For example, the Demonstration of Climate Technologies and Innovations in Transport (DKTI-Transport) scheme promotes advanced and efficient technologies as well as sustainable fuels, while the Green Shipping Wadden Sea program (GSW program) provides subsidies for sustainable and low-emission ship concepts.
Rijkswaterstaat, part of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, plays a pioneering role as a launching customer by investing in sustainable shipping innovations. This accelerates the market introduction of new technologies and encourages the transition to a green, forward-looking maritime shipping industry.
Future Outlook
Although the progress regarding the agreements in the Green Deal Maritime Shipping is promising, challenges remain. To realize these ambitions, investments in infrastructure, alternative fuels, and international collaboration are crucial.