Study advancing maritime transport decarbonization

Pôle Mer Méditerranée brings together nearly 500 scientific and economic stakeholders from the South Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Occitanie, and Corsica regions, all committed to addressing maritime and coastal challenges. The cluster’s mission is to foster a decarbonized and sovereign blue economy that promotes sustainable growth and future job creation.

In 2022, Pôle Mer Méditerranée was commissioned to carry out a study on ship emissions to better understand the impact of maritime transport on air quality in Marseille and the Gulf of Fos. In collaboration with its technical partner, Citepa, the cluster analysed vessels accounting for 80% of the traffic at the Port of Marseille-Fos. The study covered all operational phases—navigation, maneuvering, and stopover—offering a comprehensive assessment of maritime emissions.

Pôle Mer Méditerranée led and coordinated the study, organizing and facilitating working meetings with partners and air quality stakeholders in Marseille. The cluster also ensured the quality and reliability of the deliverables submitted to the Port of Marseille-Fos upon the study’s completion.

“It is essential to have up-to-date and reliable data to establish and manage an ambitious decarbonization roadmap.”
 — Christophe Avellan, Director of Pôle Mer Méditerranée

The study offers valuable insights into the potential benefits of shore power connection, regulatory measures, and other actionable strategies. Its findings support the Port of Marseille-Fos’s strategy to electrify its docks, with the goal of improving air quality, cutting CO₂ emissions, and reducing noise pollution in anticipation of the AFIR 2030 regulation (mandatory shore power connection for vessels at berth). 

For Pôle Mer Méditerranée, participating in the study not only reinforced its recognition by the Port of Marseille-Fos and confirmed its role as a key player in maritime innovation and decarbonization, but also strengthened its relationships with both the Port—a historic member of its governance—and Citepa, France’s leading authority on greenhouse gas inventories and pollutant emissions. Moreover, the project enabled the cluster to acquire new knowledge and develop a methodology that can be adapted and applied to ports worldwide.

More information: https://www.marseille-port.fr/actualites/resultat-de-letude-sur-limpact-du-branchement-electrique-des-navires-quai