The European Commission has released its much-anticipated Competitiveness Compass, to “drive prosperity and competitiveness to Europe”. While this initiative sets out to address Europe’s economic resilience, it overlooks a critical dimension: the health of the ocean and its ecosystem, which are vital to a sustainable and competitive future.  

Seas At Risk is one of six NGOs that offers an alternative compass – or rather a roadmap – to a healthy ocean in 2030 in the Blue Manifesto, with clear asks to EU policy-makers to put the ocean at the heart of EU decision-making. With over 140 supporters, the Blue Manifesto lays out the policies and legislation needed to create a cleaner ocean, ensuring a just transition and blue economy.   

With biodiversity in the ocean disappearing at an even faster pace than on land and 2024 being the hottest year on record for ocean temperatures, the omission of the EU’s nature and environmental objectives in the compass rings alarm bells. 

Tobias Troll, Marine Policy Director at Seas At Risk, said: 

“The EU’s competitiveness compass highlights the need for decarbonisation, but without an action plan that respects the planet’s ecological limits, it falls short. The ocean is the backbone in the fight against climate change – low-impact and regenerative marine activities that support workers and communities are key to a sustainable and equitable future. We expect the upcoming EU Oceans Pact to respect and reinforce this.” 

The need for decarbonisation is especially important for ports and the shipping industry, which enables 90% of global trade. Global shipping emits greenhouse gases equivalent to the amount produced by a country the size of Germany. Ports are predicted to face a myriad of issues due to climate change, including rising sea levels, more frequent and severe storms, and worsening air pollution. With the EU Ports Strategy to be announced in 2026, it is imperative that progressive solutions to climate and environmental risks are front and centre.  

To ensure that the maritime industry and ports remain resilient to these shocks, the EU Ports strategy must align with the upcoming European Climate Adaptation plan. Transitioning EU ports to become greener and more sustainable is essential if we are to strive for a long-term competitive and resilient economic system that contributes to the well–being of people and the planet. This can be done through initiatives that support recycling – promoting a circular economy – favouring wind propulsion in ships and making sure they respect planetary boundaries by cutting back on wasteful travel and transport.  

However, challenges remain. Fossil fuel infrastructures at ports will have to coexist with zero-emission fuel storage facilities for many years to come, creating logistical and environmental hurdles. Even though some fossil fuel facilities are in the process of being decommissioned, zero-carbon-emission fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen differ in density and may take up to five times the amount of storage space than their predecessor and pose risks to coastal wetland habitats and to the local community.  

The Competitiveness Compass emphasises the importance of social fairness and job quality. By embracing decarbonisation in the shipping and port sectors through initiatives like this, we can ensure a just and equitable transition that leaves no-one behind while boosting local economies and benefiting future generations. 

 Sian Prior, Shipping Policy Director at Seas At Risk, said:  

“Creating resilient, greener ports will provide a practical pathway to sustainable shipping and international trade that respects the climate and ocean health, while allowing Europe to remain competitive in a way that supports a fair and inclusive global transition. Not only will it provide sought-after job opportunities, ensuring a just and equitable transition for maritime industries, but it will also allow the European Commission to reach their emission reduction targets to the benefit of the ocean.” 

ENDS 

Contact: 

Louisa Gray, Communications Officer, Seas At Risk: , +32 486 11 0667   

 

Note to editors:  

  • In a bid to decarbonise Europe, the EU is working towards reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 outlined in the FitFor55 package. They should align with the International Maritime Organization’s global decarbonisation strategy of 30% by 2030, 80% by 2040 and fully decarbonised by 2050. 
  • Energy production will play a pivotal role in the transition to decarbonisation. It is essential that this energy is produced within Europe, reducing reliance on imports and fostering energy independence. Priority should be given to using this energy for direct applications, such as heating homes, where it can have the most immediate and impactful benefits. Meanwhile, the shipping sector can leverage alternative innovations, such as wind propulsion, to reduce its carbon footprint without diverting critical energy resources. 

Posted on: 29 January 2025