The year 2025 is shaping up to be a decisive milestone for the oceans and maritime transport. France aims to raise public awareness about the importance of ocean preservation. This initiative seeks to “maritimise” minds and mobilize citizens around concrete actions.
Among the highlights, from June 9 to 13, Nice will host the United Nations Ocean Conference, bringing together experts, scientists, and shipowners from around the world to accelerate the ecological transition in the maritime sector.
For Marfret, 2025 marks the launch of “Path to 2030,” our plan for the protection of seas and oceans, a result of the implementation of our CSR strategy and our voluntary commitment, since April 2024, within the Convention of Companies for the Climate. This initiative encourages companies to adopt regenerative economic models. It resonates particularly for Marfret, which is committed to aligning maritime activities with ecosystem preservation.
After significant efforts to reduce our carbon footprint by 6% over the past two years, Marfret will continue its actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously developing initiatives for the protection of biodiversity and marine ecosystems. This includes the introduction of whale-tracking software onboard vessels to reduce collisions and a new hull cleaning process.
The new-generation Marfret Durande, which will be delivered next March, perfectly illustrates this vision of sustainable maritime transport with new technologies aimed at improving energy efficiency. The prospects offered by innovative technological solutions chart the course for a sustainable maritime future. We must redouble our efforts to protect the most vulnerable areas, the overseas waters we serve, as well as the Mediterranean coastline.
The establishment of the sulfur emission control area in the Mediterranean, starting June 1, 2025, will impose a reduced sulfur content of 0.1% in marine fuels. This regional initiative, aimed at drastically reducing atmospheric pollutant emissions, complements the international and European regulatory framework. After the ETS in 2024, the FuelEU Maritime regulation came into effect on January 1, 2025.
As the consequences of climate change worsen, geopolitical crises muddle the maritime landscape, and in the absence of a political compass, we firmly hold the helm, determined to stay on course, support regional economies, and serve the territories alongside our clients, who are also mobilized for the preservation of our planet and the future of new generations.
These actions are not a drop in the vastness of the ocean; they contribute to ecological awareness. This year will be marked by new initiatives from Marfret aimed at promoting maritime culture: welcoming new artists in residence and organizing “Ocean Night” on March 25, a highlight of the International Music & Cinema Festival. A cultural program designed to redefine our relationship with the sea.
For Marfret, and for France, 2025 will be a key year to reaffirm the fundamental role of seas and oceans in our economy, history, and culture. We wish our clients, our valuable employees, both on land and at sea, as well as our agents and partners, a promising horizon for 2025. May this new year be marked by success, health, and collective commitment.
Picture: Copyright Grégoire Korganow