Ferries docking in Europe’s ports are responsible for more toxic air pollution than all the cars in major cities like Barcelona, Dublin, and Naples, according to a new study from campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E).
The analysis of more than 1,000 European ferries found that in 2023 alone, the fleet emitted 13.4 million tonnes of CO₂, which is equivalent to 6.6 million cars over a year. Barcelona was identified as the port with the highest ferry CO₂ emissions overall.
But the health impacts are most acute in specific locations. Dublin currently ranks as the most polluted port city in Europe for ferry-related air pollution, followed by Las Palmas in Spain and Holyhead in Wales. Researchers found that ferries in Barcelona produce 1.8 times more sulphur oxides (SOx) than all the cars in the city combined.
Felix Klann, Shipping Policy Officer at T&E said: ‘Ferries should connect communities, not pollute them. Too many ferries are burning polluting fossil fuels, pumping toxic air into Europe’s port cities.’
The situation is set to shift in 2027 when new emission control areas come into force in the North-East Atlantic, limiting the sulphur content of maritime fuels. This will change the ranking of the most polluted ports, with Las Palmas expected to take the top spot.
The study offers a clear solution: electrification. Unlike other parts of the shipping sector, ferries operate on fixed routes and are often smaller, making them easier to run on battery power. T&E estimates that at least 60% of Europe’s ferry fleet could be electric by 2035, with many routes already cheaper to operate using electricity than fossil fuels.
‘Electrification makes economic sense,’ Klann added. ‘Electric ferries are already cheaper to run on many routes, and more will become cost-competitive in the coming years.’
The average age of a European ferry is 26 years, meaning the fleet is ripe for renewal. Electrification and hybridisation could cut ferry CO₂ emissions by up to 42%, while dramatically improving air quality in port cities and reducing operating costs.
The research found that currently, around 20% of EU ferries could operate more cheaply as battery-electric vessels, potentially rising to 52% by 2035. Hybrid ferries further increase this potential, with at least 32% of ferries suitable for hybridisation by 2025 and up to 68% by 2035.
The main barrier to scaling up is charging infrastructure, but the challenge is smaller than often assumed. The study found that 57% of ports would only need small chargers below five megawatts to support electric ferry operations.
With new environmental regulations looming and the economic case for electric ferries strengthening, T&E argue there has never been a better time for a clean overhaul of Europe’s ageing ferry fleet.
To support this transition, several EU policy reforms are recommended. First, expanding the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and FuelEU Maritime regulations to include vessels above 400 gross tonnes would cover the majority of electrifiable ferry segments and incentivise cleaner technologies.
Second, the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) should be broadened to include maritime charging infrastructure, ensuring ports are prepared for electric vessels and preventing inefficient grid investments.
Third, EU public procurement rules should promote zero-emission ferries, particularly for publicly funded routes, to stimulate demand and scale up sustainable technologies. Finally, marine battery production should be integrated into EU strategic battery initiatives to strengthen domestic industry and energy security.
At national and regional levels, governments can further support electrification by using green procurement criteria, reducing taxes on electricity supplied to vessels and expanding Emission Control Areas to ensure cleaner ferry operations in all regions.
Photo: Luciann Photography
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