Edinburgh Napier University

  The present report “Targeting the Environmental Sustainability of European Shipping:
The Need for Innovation in Policy and Technology” has emerged from a background
survey with the aim of mapping what is being done on sustainable shipping within the
European Union. A wide scope of strategic EU policy sectors and documents, including
existing directives, legislation and regulations on shipping were scrutinized to describe
the actual knowledge framework. The background study defines areas where new
research could contribute in closing knowledge gaps, and gives a compilation of directives
and policy documents concerning sustainable shipping in a European perspective.
Based on a definition of sustainable shipping that include all three pillars of sustainable
development, the present report presents a holistic view and strategies for achieving a
sustainable shipping industry. The report provides scientifically based knowledge of
various aspects that affect sustainability at sea, such as particles, greenhouse gases, ship
wrecks, ship recycling, and intermodality, as well as a comprehensive overview and
updates on regulations. These various areas are presented as separate chapters and solid
recommendations are presented on future actions (on EU and international level) to
make the shipping industry in Europe a sustainable business.