FranceAgriMer: promoting greener navigation

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FranceAgriMer is part of the Relaunch Plan proposed by the Government to support the recovery of France after the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the financial needs for the sectors of activity affected by the virus, long-term problems remain… Problems that were already a concern before this period, such as the environmental issue. FranceAgriMer is setting up a programme to support ship developmentprojects through a call for projects. Ships that are part of an energy and environmental transition. Through this action, FranceAgriMer sends a strong message of hope to the maritime community.

FranceAgriMer financially supports innovative maritime projects

FranceAgriMer wants to encourage shipping companies to turn to new construction projects. This is in order to eventually use only vessels with a lower impact on the environment. Indeed, shipping accounts for a large part of the pollution generated on Earth. Ships contribute to air pollution as well as water pollution from the seas and oceans. A huge problem for the ecosystem.

Thus, FranceAgriMer is involved in the projects of companies that want to move the lines. It then financially supports 50% of eligible expenditure on projects between 100,000 euros and 2 million euros. This includes innovative vessels that improve their energy and environmental performance; among other things for aquaculture or fishing fleets,through better motorization or better materials used for the construction of boat hulls.

Cargo ships allow the transport of goods around the world… But are also big polluters.

But it also concerns ships that are involved in research and the best knowledge of fisheries resources. These are in particular projects carried out by innovative SMEs in the territory. But they are also all innovative ships, potentially the reality of tomorrow.

All the more so since metropolises are also involved in protecting their ecosystems. In Bordeaux,for example, over-polluting ships are not accepted in the port, others reduce their speed to cross the Chaban Delmas bridge. This shows the country’s awareness of the environmental impact of this sector. A struggle in which FranceAgriMer takes part, supporting innovation in greener ships, to advance towards the world of tomorrow.

The Government also supports greener navigation

FranceAgriMer joins a project initiated by the Government already in August 2019, thanks to the Charter SAILS (Sustainable Actions for Innovative and Low-impact Shipping). The purpose of this charter is to encourage local businesses to adopt good practices in shipping… This is to protect the marine environment and coastlines.

On the occasion of the signing of this charter, ten French shipping companies have also pledged to join it. Companies including Brittany Ferries, CMA CGM, Corsica Ferries… But also shipowners like Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, or Orange Marine and Ponant. These companies are committed to reducing the impact of their activities on the environment, climate and marine biodiversity.

Shipping is essential: it accounts for more than 90% of international trade. Indeed, it allows to transport goods around the world, on huge cargo ships. These cargo ships contribute very strongly to ocean pollution, but not only. They are responsible for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, the SAILS charter, as well as the decline of shipping companies, make it possible to draw the outlines of objectives to combat this pollution.

Starting with the reduction of the amount of sulphur present in the fuel. In 2020, it was 0.5% against 3.5% in 2019. A very significant decrease, which shows that it is possible to act in the short term. This is a much-needed goal when associations and governments sound the alarm.

Adopting alternative or more environmentally friendly fuels can gradually reduce the emission of pollutants that are harmful to marine life. This objective is committed to FranceAgriMer and the Government, in particular the Ministry of Ecological Transition.

FranceAgriMer, support for fishing and aquaculture players

FranceAgriMer does more than support innovative shipbuilding. Indeed, he also cares about the players of the fishery. The fishing sector is also very buoyant, but also needs to be part of this approach to sustainability. To do this, FranceAgriMer helps investment projects in this sector with an envelope of 25 million euros.

This includes investments in equipment, for a more sustainable exploitation of fish and aquaculture resources… But also to support all projects aimed at energizing the fishing sector, for new, greener issues.

Sources:

  1. Newsletter in New Aquitaine with France Relance, New Aquitaine Prefect’s Communiqué, February 8, 2021
  2. Maritime transport: French shipowners commit to the environment,Ministry of Ecological Transition, published on 28 August 2019
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