The Hormuz Lesson: a chaotic catalyst for green maritime transition of the Mediterranean
As traditional fossil fuels reveals unreliable in both price and supply, shipowners will more and more seek ports that offer non-fossil alternatives: Port Authorities are forced into the role of crisis managers While until some months ago, the forecast of a solution to the ongoing US-Iran conflict was still on a halt, but it seemed […]
Every port has its own city. How the new TEN-T regulation redefines SUMPs for greener maritime logistics
Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 requires Port Authorities to act as co-designers of the urban mobility ecosystem The recent entry into force of the new Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Regulation, officially designated as Regulation (EU) 2024/1679, has shaken the urban mobility governance of European cities, as it deliver a new framework for the intersection of port logistics […]
We’ll be departing shortly: the IMO’s Net-Zero delayed but back on track framework
Connecting the Med ECA with the new Atlantic ECA, regulatory bodies managed to wrap the European continent in a unified environmental control zone In the concluding report of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) 84, that met in London from April 27 to May 1, 2026, the proposed Net-Zero Framework survived intense geopolitical lobbying […]
The Maritime puzzle on Decarbonization Under EU ETS1 and ETS2 different paths
The direct use of ETS1 and ETS2 revenues can fund incentives for decarbonising ships and transport, as a win-win strategy for the EU EU strategy for decarbonization of the maritime transport sector has been a top-tier initiative worldwide. Still, due to the recent evolution of the world geopolitical landscape, the path toward full decarbonization has […]
What the new EU Ports Strategy and Industrial Maritime Strategy means for the Mediterranean Basin
The strategies aim not only to modernize the industry but to protect the sector in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment On March 4th 2026, the European Commission charted a bold new course for Europe’s waterborne sector by adopting the EU Ports Strategy and the Industrial Maritime Strategy. Designed to drive competitiveness, sustainability, decarbonization, security, and […]
MED SECA coming into force on May 1st 2025
Reduction of air pollution from ships will protect people and the environment On May 1 2025, the Mediterranean Emission Control Area for Sulphur (SECA) has taken effect on the entire Mediterranean Sea. The regulation mandates ships to drastically reduce their toxic air pollutant emissions. The sulphur content of the fuel may not exceed 0.10%. This is a […]
ATLECA: The world’s largest emission control area adopted with “historic” agreement
The UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) has decided to approvethe establishment of a so-calledemission control area (ECA) in the northernpart of the Atlantic Ocean. This means that ships sailing in the ECA area will have to use moresustainable fuel with a maximum sulfurcontent of 0.1%. The proposal isexpected to enter into force in 2027. The agreement marks “a historic day in the reduction of air pollution fromships”, according to the German environmental NGO Nabu. “The ECA in the Northeast Atlantic will close the gap between existing ECAsin the North and Baltic Seas and the Mediterranean. Thus, almost allEuropean waters will soon be emission control areas,” The news has also delighted the organization Green Global Future, whichcalls it “a huge victory”. “It’s fantastic that we now have the world’s largest ECA,” Kåre Press-Kristensen, advisor to the organization, tells ShippingWatch. While this week’s IMO negotiations have primarily been about reaching aglobal climate agreement on ship reduction of CO2 emissions by […]
LIFE4MECA project at the European Maritime Days in Cork
The LIFE4MECA project will be present at the next European Maritime Days from 21 th to 23 th of May, for its first International Conference partecipation. The EMD is the annual event during which Europe’s maritime community meet to network, discuss and outline joint action on maritime affairs and sustainable blue economy. The EMD is also the place […]