T&E: EU Shipping emissions climb to record peak despite decarbonization efforts

European shipping emissions surged last year to their ‘highest’ level since official monitoring began back in 2018, fresh data published by the EU’s Transport & Environment (T&E) shows.

According to the EU MRV (monitoring, reporting and verification) system, which measures emissions from ships of 5,000 GT and above calling at European ports, 2024 set a brand-new record with emissions jumping by 13% despite trade volumes remaining flat.

Although the use of renewable energy has increased and, thus, likely played a part in the decline of imports of fossil fuels, they nonetheless remain high. As noted, fossil fuel carriers still account for around 20% of all EU Shipping emissions, with the Port of Rotterdam acting as the largest importer of fossil fuels in Europe by sea.

T&E has also highlighted that the level of transported liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been ballooning since Russia invaded Ukraine, even though data does show a decrease in 2024. On the other hand, emissions from moving crude oil have risen to 2019 highs.

“Transporting fossil fuels around represents a double climate blow. Ending our dependency on fossil