EMSA acts to lessen the environmental impact exerted by the maritime sector in the EU. In its role as facilitator and technical hub, the Agency supports the EU’s priorities in the areas of decarbonisation, smart mobility, sustainable alternative fuels, ship energy efficiency and carbon intensity, accelerated use of on-shore power supplies, protection of biodiversity and the ambition of zero pollution.
Through its sustainability activities, EMSA supports the European Commission and EU Member States in the maritime dimension of the European Green Deal. In particular, EMSA supports the implementation of the ‘Fit for 55’ package which encompasses the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation and the extension of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) to maritime transport.

To top up the capacities of Member States, EMSA also offers a toolbox of pollution response services to assist in protecting the areas in and around the European coastline. These services are based on a network of chartered commercial vessels which have been adapted and equipped to offer pollution response services, as well as several Equipment Assistance Services (EAS), providing Member States with specialised response equipment – including near-shore equipment – which can be used by non-dedicated response vessels.