Earth Observation in support of maritime decarbonization

GMV has completed the MTR (Mid-Term Review) of EO4SEM, a European project focused on developing solutions based on Earth Observation data to support the monitoring of emissions from maritime transportation.

This initiative is led by GMV and funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with the European Maritime Safety Agency. Its objective is to assess the value of satellite-based Earth Observation data for the implementation of new European environmental regulations related to maritime transportation. EO4SEM will support the monitoring of emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and methane, both in maritime areas and in the vicinity of ports and industrial zones, contributing to greater environmental transparency in the sector and to the design of future European space missions dedicated to emissions monitoring.

Maritime transportation is an essential pillar of global and European trade, accounting for around 90% of global merchandise trade and approximately 75% of the European Union’s international trade. These figures represent a significant environmental challenge, as the sector is responsible for approximately 3% to 4% of global anthropogenic CO₂ emissions and about 14% of transportation-sector emissions in the European Union.

Within the European legal framework, a set of regulatory instruments has been introduced under the European Green Deal and the Fit for 55 package, including the extension of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to maritime transportation, the FuelEU Maritime regulation, and the strengthening of Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) requirements. The effective implementation of these measures depends on robust and independent monitoring capabilities. The results of the EO4SEM project complement traditional emissions estimation models based on AIS (Automatic Identification System) data.

Thanks to the automated and scalable Earth Observation–based approach employed in EO4SEM, the manual effort required for emissions analysis is reduced, while the reliability, consistency, and transparency of the available information are enhanced. The project also contributes to the creation of a reference dataset that will serve as a basis for future developments and to demonstrate the added value of upcoming missions within the European Copernicus Earth Observation program, such as CO2M and CHIME.

The Mid-Term Review took place at the headquarters of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). EO4SEM is now moving into its next phase, during which it will deliver concrete and operationally relevant data capable of supporting the maritime sector in achieving its environmental objectives.