Decarbonising Maritime Transport by 2050: the role of public policies and technological innovation
Hosted by MEP Christophe Clergeau, Chair of the SEArica Intergroup and Co-organised by Nantes University, France.
Monday 19 May, 16:00 – 18:00
European Parliament, Room SPAAK 7C50, Brussels
As maritime transport accounts for over 90% of global goods movement, decarbonisation has become a strategic priority for the European Union, while requiring both interdisciplinary research and coordinated public policy. With the adoption of key legislative instruments such as FuelEU Maritime, the inclusion of shipping in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), and the deployment of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), the EU has laid the foundations for a fundamental transformation of maritime operations. Most recently, the Clean Industrial Deal has also set the ambition to engage with industries to develop sectorial transition pathways with a Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, proposing measures to prioritise support to technologies for sustainable transport, including waterborne.
This event, hosted by MEP Christophe Clergeau and co-organised by Nantes University, will explore how public regulatory efforts intersect with ongoing technological innovation, from wind propulsion to e-fuel, and what mix of solutions is needed to ensure an efficient and ambitious path toward carbon neutrality by 2050.
Event Properties
| Event Date | 19-05-2025 16:00 |
| Event End Date | 19-05-2025 18:00 |
| Location | European Parliament Brussels |
| Categories | Blue Economy, Maritime Industries and Ports,Conférence 2025-2029,Maritime Transport |
| Attachment | Agenda_Maritime Decarbonation Univ Nantes_19052025.pdf |
the SEArica intergroup is re-established
Brussels, February 2025
Charting a new course: the Seas, Rivers, Islands & Coastal Areas Intergroup (SEArica) is re-established in the European Parliament
Continuing its longstanding mission since 2009, the Seas, Rivers, Islands & Coastal Areas (SEArica) intergroup has been successfully re-established as one of the 28 intergroups of the European Parliament. SEArica unites Members of the European Parliament who share a commitment to elevating seas, oceans, and coastal challenges to the top of the European political agenda.
This re-establishment comes at a decisive moment for European maritime policies. By unveiling a European vision with the European Ocean Pact ahead of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025, Europe must lead the way toward ambitious international ocean governance. The European Ocean Pact was first announced by President von der Leyen in her political guidelines for 2024-2029, and later confirmed in the mission letter of Commissioner Costas Kadis.
“The European Ocean Pact is a great opportunity to strengthen our sovereignty, protect the environment, support sustainable jobs in the blue economy, and empower our coastal and island communities. To achieve this, we need an open dialogue with different political forces and stakeholders. The SEArica intergroup is the platform for such dialogue. Our launch event for the intergroup has shown that we can unite behind the European Ocean Pact. This pact can be a win-win for NGOs, industries, policymakers, and citizens alike,” declared Christophe Clergeau, Chair of SEArica Intergroup.
“Tonight, we gave the floor to representatives and stakeholders with different perspectives, yet united in the aim of shaping an ambitious European Ocean Pact—one that goes beyond mere promises, one that delivers results. This evening marks the beginning of a ‘blue coalition’ working towards this common goal,” added Christophe Clergeau.
The re-established intergroup will bring together co-legislators, policymakers, stakeholders, and experts to work collaboratively on maritime and coastal challenges. In the presence of the Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis, and Special Envoy of the President of the French Republic for the United Nations Ocean Conference, Ambassador for the Poles and Oceans, Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, the SEArica’s inaugural event took place on February 5 in Brussels, setting sail on a new, timely journey for SEArica.
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What is an Intergroup?
The Seas, Rivers, Islands and Coastal Areas Intergroup is one of the 28 Intergroups that were approved in December 2024 by the Conference of Presidents for the 10th legislature of the European Parliament. Intergroups can be formed by MEPs from any political group and any parliamentary committee with a view to holding informal exchanges of views on particular issues and promoting contact between MEPs and civil society.
