Strategic Maritime Decarbonisation Plan : the French maritime industry mobilised

On May 12, 2025, Armateurs de France, GICAN (French Marine Industry Group), and the Union des Ports de France jointly presented an unprecedented initiative to accelerate the maritime sector’s environmental transition: the Strategic Maritime Decarbonisation Plan (PSDM). This comprehensive roadmap aims to align the French maritime industry with European and international climate targets, notably the path toward carbon neutrality.

A united industry approach

For Green Marine Europe, attending the launch of the PSDM was essential. This national strategy perfectly reflects the mission we have been pursuing since our inception: fostering collective action across the maritime value chain—the only viable path toward a credible, sustainable and ambitious transition.

This sector-wide approach, uniting shipowners, ports, shipyards, and public authorities, mirrors the spirit that led Armateurs de France and GICAN to support the Green Marine Europe environmental certification program from the very beginning. Our certification directly contributes to the PSDM's goals by encouraging continuous improvement and measurable performance gains.

A concrete roadmap, backed by innovative financing

The PSDM is structured around three key pillars:

1. Technological innovation, including the development of alternative low-carbon fuels (ammonia, hydrogen, e-methanol), wind or hybrid propulsion, and energy efficiency technologies;
2. Infrastructure adaptation, particularly within ports, to support alternative fuel bunkering and shore power;
3. Workforce training and upskilling, to prepare the sector for emerging technologies and support employment transition.

Beyond these technical dimensions, the PSDM also breaks new ground in terms of funding: it relies in part on the earmarking of revenues from the EU Maritime Emissions Trading System (ETS), which came into force in January 2024. This mechanism allows CO₂ revenues generated by the maritime sector to be reinvested in its decarbonisation—turning a regulatory constraint into a financial lever for change.

A momentum gaining international recognition

As the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) approaches in Nice this June, the PSDM will be showcased internationally. It highlights the European maritime community’s shared vision for a sustainable and credible transition.

Green Marine Europe will actively participate in UNOC 3 alongside our French and European partners to promote the voice of maritime environmental leadership. This alignment between national strategies and European frameworks will be critical to scaling up climate ambition across the global shipping industry.