EMSA has issued its outlook for 2024, which structured around seven thematic categories, this publication places a strong emphasis on Sustainability, Safety & Security, Surveillance, and Simplification, reinforcing the Agency’s commitment to addressing the associated fundamental maritime challenges.
Complementing these core areas, is the Agency’s focus on three cross-cutting themes – Digitalisation, Technical Assistance and Strategic Support.
In the face of current challenges, EMSA demonstrated its capacity to enhance safety, security and efficiency, while also preparing for future needs. This commitment is clearly outlined in the workplan designed for the upcoming year, and presented here in the EMSA Outlook 2024.
…Andreas Nordseth, Former Chairman of the Administrative Board said.
#1 Sustainability
EMSA is dedicated to minimising the environmental impact of the EU maritime sector. Serving as a facilitator and technical hub, the Agency actively supports EU
priorities, including decarbonisation, smart mobility, sustainable alternative fuels, and zero pollution goals. Notable contributions involve backing the European Green Deal, particularly the ‘Fit for 55’ package, and aiding in the implementation of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation and the extension of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to maritime transport.
#2 Surveillance
EMSA offers multipurpose maritime surveillance using Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) to EU agencies and Member State authorities engaged in coast guard functions. Currently, there is a strategic shift towards regional deployments, aiming to establish permanent installations serving multiple national administrations.
#3 Safety and Security
EMSA is dedicated to improving commercial shipping safety and marine equipment quality standards in collaboration with the European Commission. By leveraging technical expertise from Member States and industry, EMSA ensures a diverse perspective on safety issues, enriching outcomes. The Agency fosters stakeholder collaboration, commissions studies to support decision-making, and addresses uncertainties related to new technologies. In 2024, emphasis will be on the safety aspects of innovative developments, such as cleaner propulsion methods and autonomous ships (MASS). EMSA will be introducing a pilot risk-based assessment tool for MASS and coordinating efforts on safety challenges of using ammonia for propulsion and the bunkering of biofuels, among others. EMSA will continue to address safety concerns identified in the first European Maritime Safety Report (EMSAFE) published in 2022.
#4 Simplification
EMSA supports greater simplification through a variety of digital services designed to enhance maritime operations. Efforts in 2024 will focus on leveraging technology to enhance information exchange, streamline reporting and further promote the digitalisation of maritime operations. The quality of ship and ship-related information is crucial for maritime digital services. EMSA will continue supporting Member States in implementing and testing the SafeSeaNet system, with a focus on version 5 in 2024. A long-term archive of SafeSeaNet data will be created for extended analysis using cloud-based solutions and
advanced data analysis techniques.
#5 Digitalization
Integrated Maritime Services (IMS) will continue to be enhanced with additional customised features, functionalities, data sets and individual services in line with
the evolving requirements of the growing user communities. Collaboration through webinars, hybrid training and the EMSA Academy will drive further developments in 2024. Technological upgrades to IMS will enhance performance, particularly benefiting users with low internet bandwidth. New services, responding to specific Vessel Traffic Monitoring & Information System (VTMIS) needs will be delivered through IMS toolboxes to various Member State authorities.
#6 Technical Assistance
The learning services provided by the Agency through the EMSA Academy contribute to build capacity at national level and support harmonised implementation and enforcement in the EU and beyond, thereby fostering safety, security and sustainability. Following a bottom-up approach to align
the learning services offered to the Member States’ needs, in 2024 the EMSA Academy’s catalogue will include four common core curricula, six part-time courses and eight short courses.
#7 Strategic Support
In the upcoming year, EMSA will leverage its diverse range of services to ensure financial efficiency and operational effectiveness, benefiting other EU stakeholders through collaborative experiences and shared contributions. EMSA remains committed to providing various services through bilateral cooperation agreements to EU bodies and stakeholders with maritime-related functions, supporting their overarching objectives. Recipients of these services include key organisations such as the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), European Naval Forces (EUNAVFOR Atalanta and EUNAVFOR Med), European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol), the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre –
Narcotics (MAOC (N)), and the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC). The ongoing support to the ERCC will persist within the framework of the anticipated new Working Arrangement between EMSA and the European Commission’s DG ECHO.
Prevention of pollution by ships
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 zero pollution ambitions.
EMSA offers expertise in the field of environmental protection, helping the European Commission and EU Member States to address a wide variety of ship-sourced water and air pollution. In the year ahead, the Agency will be further contributing to the European Green Deal – a set of policy initiatives by the European Commission with the overarching aim of making Europe climate neutral by 2050 – in particular, supporting 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.
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