Press Release: STEERER, a new project to deliver a clear commitment to reaching zero-emission waterborne transport by latest 2050, launches today
Waterborne transport enables nearly 90% of international trade, 76% of the external EU trade and 40% of the internal EU trade. European ship-owners control more than 40% of the world’s merchant fleet and operate shipping services all over the world and Europe has several waterborne transport stakeholders, such as maritime technology, with a global leadership position. Waterborne transport is a strategic sector for Europe, in terms of mobility, defence and security or to enable a transition towards zero-emission waterborne transport. The greening of waterborne transport is at the core of the research & innovation activities of the Waterborne Technology Platform and is a top priority of the new European Commission, led by President von der Leyen.
Today, in the kick-off meeting of the new STEERER project, partners from around Europe came together to begin the work of creating a multi-stakeholders Green Shipping Expert Group that will establish a clear vision for green waterborne transport, so as to contribute to meeting the European Commission’s ambitions for a climate neutral society by 2050.
STEERER (Structuring Towards Zero Emission Waterborne Transport) will coordinate the establishment and communication of a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda and an Implementation Plan towards zero-emission waterborne transport, in cooperation with all key stakeholders needed to facilitate the transformation to clean waterborne transport. In the definition of STEERER, as well as cutting green house gas emissions, all harmful environmental emissions, water pollution and noise emissions have to be eliminated. STEERER’s mission is to bring the various initiatives and sectors’ stakeholders together to join forces for a combined effort with the maximum impact for the climate, people’s health and Europe’s economy. STEERER is coordinated by the Waterborne Technology Platform, counting with participation of a total of seven partners from six EU countries.
In sum, STEERER aims to:
- Jointly set emission targets towards 2050 (including targets for 2025 and 2030)
- Develop a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda to be able to reach these targets in time
- Develop an Implementation Plan to reach the targets in due course, while staying competitive and offering a valid business case;
- Developing and implementing a communication campaign, aimed at broader awareness of the waterborne transport sector and its commitment towards zero-emission transport.
