Although shipping is one of the modes of transport with the lowest carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per distance and weight carried, pollution from maritime transport activities can have serious implications for air and water quality, and the biodiversity of marine life.

This is particularly relevant in the Mediterranean Sea, an area around which more than 150 million people live, and which is home to more than 17,000 marine species. Air emissions from ships can damage human health, for example, particularly in areas of high maritime traffic. In addition, the delicate marine ecosystems around the Mediterranean coast, including those in protected areas and biosphere reserves, are vulnerable to the effects of pollution, in the air and below the surface.  

The European Commission is deeply engaged at international level on issues related to greater maritime sustainability and decarbonisation. As a result, SAFEMED V will promote sustainability among the non-EU countries that form part of the project through a range of actions.

Underpinning this activity will be the advancement of the decarbonisation agenda, support for the uptake of alternative power sources in shipping, and promotion of the establishment of a Mediterranean Emissions Control Area (MED-ECA).

SAFEMED V: sustainability in focus

• The project will raise awareness of the importance of pollution prevention for its beneficiary countries. At the same time, ratification of MARPOL Annex VI will be the first building block in its activities to ensure the implementation of minimum requirements related to air emissions from ships.

• SAFEMED V will contribute to the objective of supporting the transition to alternative sources of power through studies to demonstrate both the added value and the potential of developing the necessary infrastructure in the region.

• The project will also offer technical support on the issue of the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens, and the implementation of the Ballast Water Management (BWM) and Anti-fouling (AFS)

• SAFEMED V will continue supporting the beneficiary countries’ compliance with the relevant international legislation on port reception facilities (PRF)

• To help beneficiary countries to prevent pollution in their waters and along their coastlines, the project will provide them with satellite surveillance through CleanSeaNet (the EU satellite-based pollution detection system) in support of the identification of potential or actual spills and polluters. Services like MAR-ICE and MAR-CIS will also help beneficiary countries increase their response capacity for marine pollution incidents involving chemical products.
• SAFEMED V will help build capacity through training and learning, offering tailor-made training courses or access to common core curricula developed by the EMSA Academy.