EMSA News

STARRS Study on AFV Fire Safety on Ro-Ro Ships Published

EMSA has published the first report in the STARRS (Safe Transport of AFVs on Ro-Ro Ships) study series. The study provides a technical and regulatory review of the regulatory landscape governing safe transportation of Alternative Fuel Vehicles on ro-ro ships, and reviews experimental findings on fire safety including prior research on numerical modelling and simulations. This is the first part of a multi-part study series focused on AFV fire safety in maritime environments.

EMSA Hosts ECGFF Thematic Workshop on Maritime Challenges in Lisbon

EMSA hosted the first ECGFF thematic workshop of 2026 in Lisbon on 11-12 February, bringing together representatives from Member State coast guard administrations, the European Commission, ESA, EMSA, EFCA, and Frontex. The workshop addressed geopolitical developments and hybrid threats, maritime decarbonisation, surveillance technologies, and capacity building and training. The event was organised in conjunction with the Italian Chairmanship of the ECGFF.

EMSA Study on Biodiesel-Bunker Fuel Blends as Marine Pollutants

EMSA has released a study on biodiesel-bunker fuel blends as marine pollutants, conducted jointly by the World Maritime University and Cedre. The study addresses knowledge gaps regarding alternative fuels including FAME, HVO, and Fischer-Tropsch blends, assessing their behaviour as marine pollutants and the effectiveness of response measures in accidental release scenarios. Blends such as B20, B30, and B50 used with Marine Gas Oil or VLSFO are identified as near-term drop-in solutions compatible with existing infrastructure. The research aims to strengthen spill contingency planning and preparedness as the maritime sector transitions to alternative fuels.