Green Shipping
A WestMED supported Technical Group
Implementing innovative projects to support a greener and fully sustainable maritime transport in the Mediterranean
The western Mediterranean plays a strategic role with respect to short- and long-haul shipping routes, as it connects African and European countries, while it also provides an essential link between Atlantic routes and Asian destinations, via the eastern Mediterranean and including through the Black Sea.
An effective support to green shipping should acknowledge the relevance of transforming, renewing and adapting regional vessels and their transitioning towards the use of fully sustainable sources of fuel/energy, but should also address the potentials of transforming green ports into “circular hubs” for sustainable energy production and consumption – both challenges but also opportunities.
Given the fast development of new technologies and sources to be used for green shipping, a careful monitoring of new developments (green fuel such as methanol, ammoniac, hydrogen and alternative technologies, including electrification), would allow for the continuous monitoring of most advanced practices (technological, infrastructural, managerial, etc.).
The achievement of such vision would require significant amount of financial investments and contributions, which in turn calls for addressing the current fragmentation of public financing streams (national, EU, regional and international), as well as the full visibility for the return potentials for private sustainable investments in regional green shipping.
We are pleased to announce the publication of the 2025 edition of the SRM report on the Italian Maritime Economy. The report also includes a contribution from the Spanish CETMO Institute, whose synergy arises within the WestMED Technical Group on Green Shipping and Alternative Fuels, of which both Study Centers are assiduous and active stakeholders
The Italian Maritime Economy Report 2025 addresses a matter of significant current relevance: the introduction of tariffs by the United States and their impact on international maritime trade and strategic container routes.
The first part of the volume analyzes the subject from both geopolitical and operational perspectives. Particular attention is given to the relationships with Italian ports, which handle significant volumes of goods to and from the U.S. The report also explores the risks associated with raw materials and examines the links between port infrastructure and the energy sector.
The second part of the Report features internationally oriented essays curated by members of the Global Shipping Think Tank Alliance – a prestigious forum of research centers of which SRM is a member – bringing together scholars from around the world with expertise in ports, shipping, and logistics. This section includes contributions from researchers based in China, Egypt, Germany, and Spain. The focus is on sustainability, now a key strategic driver for the development of maritime transport.
The third part is entirely dedicated to the complex topic of sea-rail intermodal transport. The essays provide an overview of the current state of freight rail transport in Italy and present three case studies focused on the ports of Genoa, Trieste, and La Spezia – three national centers of excellence known for handling significant volumes of cargo through this transport mode.
How to obtain your free copy
You can order the report for free by visiting the SRM website (available in Italian and English). Note: you need to register first