A new study warns that ferries in certain European cities are responsible for more toxic air pollution than all the cars in those cities combined.

Experts are calling for a rapid transition to electrification as fossil-fueled ferries continue to choke European ports.

Ferries play a vital role in connecting Europe’s islands with the mainland, and are often seen as an environmentally friendly alternative to flying. However, many vessels are old and polluting – exposing locals to toxic air pollution. Meanwhile a new study by NGO Transport & Environment (T&E) has found that in 2023 alone, 1,043 European ferries emitted 13.4 million tonnes of CO2. This is the equivalent of 6.6 million cars over a year.

In port cities

The study warns that in port cities such as Barcelona, Dublin, and Naples, ferries are responsible for more toxic sulfur oxide pollution (SOx) than all the cars in those cities combined. SOx are air pollutants that can trigger respiratory problems, exacerbate asthma, and contribute to acid rain and fine particulate pollution.

European ferry ports are the most polluting.

When it comes to ferry-related SOx exposure, Dublin, Ireland is currently the most polluted port city in Europe, followed by Las Palmas in Gran Canaria and Holyhead in Wales.

However, this is set to change next year when new Emission Control Areas (ECAs) come into effect, limiting air pollution from maritime fuels in the North-East Atlantic. Since the Canary Islands are not included in these regulations, Las Palmas is expected to emit the most air pollution in 2027, followed by Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Graph showing the impact the Emission Control Area (ECA) are expected to have on European ferry ports. T&E

Barcelona is the highest CO2-emitting ferry port in Europe

Barcelona is the highest CO2-emitting ferry port in Europe, with ferries here also pumping out 1.8 times more SOx than all of the city’s cars – despite restrictions already in place in the Mediterranean.

As of May 1, 2025, the entire Mediterranean Sea will be designated a Sulphur Emissions Control Area. This will require ships to reduce their fuel sulfur content from 0.5 percent to 0.1 percent. These measures aim to reduce air pollution and improve air quality in coastal areas.

Electrification and hybridization could reduce ferry CO2 emissions. 

T&E found that the average age of ferries in Europe is 26 years, highlighting the need for a “clean renewal”.

The report states that electrification and hybridization could reduce ferry CO2 emissions by up to 42 percent, improve air quality in port cities, and lower operating costs. By 2035, at least 60 percent of Europe’s ferry fleet could run on battery power, as many routes are already cheaper to operate with electric power today.

.A hydrofoil electric ferry trial in Stockholm, Sweden, has been found to reduce emissions by up to 94 percent and cut travel time from 55 minutes to about 30 minutes.

Related :Italian Tanker Stopped in Sarroch for intentional pollution

Source : Euro News
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