The EMERGE project investigated the environmental pressures caused by shipping on both the atmosphere and marine ecosystems. This was done through a combination of advanced modelling and extensive measurements, covering Europe and specific ecologically sensitive regions. EMERGE integrated these aspects to develop a comprehensive understanding of the combined impacts and evaluate the cost-efficiency of various emission reduction measures.
The experimental phase focused on five key areas along with a mobile onboard case study. This approach allowed for a diverse assessment across different marine environments. Models were significantly refined, including the STEAM model, which now accounts for environmental factors affecting ship performance and emissions, and the ChemicalDrift model, which tracks how pollutants behave in water. These models, along with others like WRF-CMAQ for air quality and Delft3D for water circulation, provided a detailed view of shipping emissions' impacts on both air and water quality.
Ecotoxicological research within the project revealed varying levels of sensitivity among marine species to pollutants. Invertebrates, particularly during their early developmental stages, were found to be highly susceptible to scrubber effluents. Spatial modeling showed persistent effluent concentrations for 2-10 days and high risk for areas within a 10-30 km radius of shipping lanes. Especially, coastal areas and archipelagos were identified as locations where contaminants will end up in sediments. Future scenarios showed that by 2050, about one-third of the fleet in the studied areas is expected to use EGCS, leading to significant discharge volume increases, particularly in the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas. Additionally, economic evaluations showed widespread EGCS adoption among ships, but also stressed the importance of minimizing pollution from shipping activities.
To support decision-making, EMERGE developed a publicly available web-based tool that allows users to assess the environmental impacts of various shipping scenarios, making it a valuable resource for policymakers and stakeholders.
The project’s findings and tools were widely disseminated. Results were presented at conferences, stakeholder events, and industry meetings, and also featured in public outreach activities. Educational events and collaborations with local schools helped raise awareness among young people about the environmental challenges posed by shipping. The project produced an e-booklet summarizing its findings and policy recommendations, ensuring that its insights reach a broad audience, from scientists and industry experts to the general public.
EMERGE contributed significantly to European environmental reporting and provided inputs for international maritime regulations. The project’s extensive communication efforts, including seminars, videos, and workshops, have helped to foster a better understanding of the impacts of shipping on our environment and the steps needed to mitigate these effects.
