Paris, France – October 8, 2024 – The POSEIDON project proudly participated in the recently concluded EMGF-OMEC Joint Conference, titled “How to Decarbonise the Maritime Sector in the Mediterranean?”. Held at the Hilton Paris Opéra, the event brought together key stakeholders from across the Mediterranean region to discuss and develop strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in maritime activities.
Event Highlights and Achievements
The Mediterranean region, a crucial hub for international trade, faces significant environmental challenges due to the maritime industry’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The EMGF-OMEC Joint Conference, organized by the Organisation Méditerranéenne de l’Energie et du Climat (OMEC) and the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), successfully addressed these challenges by exploring sustainable pathways for maritime activities in the region.
The conference focused on several key objectives:
- Assessing the current state of maritime emissions in the Mediterranean and their impact on climate change and regional ecosystems.
- Exploring technological innovations and policy measures to facilitate the transition towards decarbonization in the maritime industry.
- Identifying challenges and opportunities specific to the Mediterranean region in achieving sustainable maritime transportation.
- Fostering collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, industry representatives, academia, and environmental organizations, to develop actionable strategies for maritime decarbonization.
- Raising awareness about the importance of decarbonization in the Mediterranean maritime sector and its broader implications for regional sustainability.
POSEIDON project’s contribution
David Eyler from the European Institute for Energy Research (EIFER) presented the POSEIDON project in the session titled “Adopting Low- and Zero-Emission Fuels for Decarbonising Shipping”. His presentation showcased the project’s innovative approach to using e-methanol as a sustainable fuel for maritime propulsion and highlighted the potential of e-methanol to significantly reduce emissions in the shipping industry, emphasizing its feasibility and scalability as a low-carbon alternative.
Key Sessions and Discussions
The conference featured a comprehensive agenda with sessions covering various aspects of maritime decarbonization, including:
- Maritime Decarbonisation Policies, Initiatives, and Pathways: Discussions on EU policies, international developments, and regulatory opportunities and challenges for low-carbon fuels and technologies.
- Technological Aspects for Greening Maritime Shipping: Assessing the feasibility and scalability of emerging technologies such as alternative fuels, energy-efficient propulsion systems, and renewable energy integration.
- Infrastructure Development: Exploring the infrastructure requirements for supporting sustainable maritime transportation, including shore power facilities, bunkering stations, and port upgrades.
- Economic and Social Implications: Analyzing the economic costs and benefits of decarbonization measures for various stakeholders and their social implications for maritime communities.
- Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Opportunities for collaboration between the maritime industry, energy sector, research institutions, and governments to accelerate decarbonization efforts.
Conclusion
The POSEIDON project’s participation in the EMGF-OMEC Joint Conference highlighted its dedication to promoting sustainable maritime transportation solutions. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and fostering collaboration across various sectors, the POSEIDON project aims to play a crucial role in the decarbonization of the Mediterranean maritime industry. The knowledge and connections gained from this conference will significantly advance the project’s mission to create a greener and more sustainable future for maritime transport.
