On 24 September 2025, Brussels became the hub of European green shipping innovation with the Green Shipping Industry Day, hosted at the BEL. This high-level event was jointly organised by the Horizon Europe projects CirclesOfLife and EcoShipYard, together with Green Marine Europe, bringing together shipyards, ports, policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to accelerate the environmental transition of the maritime industry.

The day opened with powerful speeches from Apóstolos Tzitzikóstas (European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism), Christophe Clergeau (Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the SEArica Intergroup), as well as project coordinators Jorinus Kalis (CirclesOfLife) and Dimitrios V. Lyridis (EcoShipYard). Sessions explored how to reduce the environmental footprint of the shipping industry and how shipyards can embrace circularity through Ship Lifecycle Passports and a European vision for sustainable shipbuilding. The discussions highlighted the crucial role of innovation in achieving a greener fleet and a more resource-efficient future.

In the afternoon, Green Marine Europe’s annual event featured industry leaders and policymakers addressing biodiversity protection, sustainable ports, and competitiveness in shipping. The day closed with the Green Marine Europe certification awards, celebrating companies committed to measurable environmental progress.

The Green Shipping Industry Day was more than an event; it was a milestone in building bridges between shipyards, operators, ports, policymakers, and researchers. With vibrant participation, candid exchanges, and valuable networking, the event confirmed the collective will to accelerate the maritime sector’s green transition. For EcoShipYard (ESY), the day was especially fruitful. The project gathered direct feedback from industry and institutional stakeholders, validating its ongoing efforts and shaping the next steps in delivering solutions for sustainable shipyards.

We warmly thank all speakers, participants, and partners who contributed to this success. Together, we are charting the course towards a climate-neutral and innovative European shipping industry.

Discover the highlights of the day in the photo gallery below.

Stay tuned, as a press release and a special newsletter edition will follow soon!

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 101138730. UK participation in EcoShipYard Project is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe guarantee [grant-number 10120898].