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                                    its Member States with timely, reliable, and actionable intelligence %u2014 strengthening our collective ability to safeguard security, protect the environment, and uphold the integrity of EU policies at sea.What role does the EMSA play in supporting national administrations, industry, and maritime stakeholders in the sustainable transition of shipping?Our role is threefold: we offer technical and scientific assistance to the European Commission and EU Member States, facilitate capacity building, and provide implementation support for EU and international maritime legislation, tools, and operational services.We act, first, as a knowledge hub, developing studies, technical guidance, and analyses; second, as a facilitator, supporting the exchange of best practices and lessons learned and building capacity; and third, as a service provider, offering tools and IT systems and operational assets such as a pollutionresponse toolbox and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS).Alternative fuels will play a key role in the sustainable transition of shipping. That is why, for some years, the EMSA has been examining the potential of different alternative fuels and power supplies for shipping, the latest of which are two studies on onboard carbon capture technologies and hull air lubrication systems, adding to our research on biofuels, ammonia, hydrogen, wind-assisted propulsion, synthetic fuels, or even exploring the potential of nuclear power for shipping. In parallel, we are carrying out studies into the safety aspects of various alternative fuels to support maritime stakeholders in the sustainable transition. To date, we have finalised a series on ammonia, another on hydrogen, and a series on the safe bunkering of biofuels. We have also published guidance for port authorities and national administrations on shore-side electricity and guidance on battery energy storage systems, as well as research on the transport of alternatively fuelled vehicles on board Ro-Ro ships.Underpinning the sustainable transition is, of course, the human element in shipping, as new technologies and fuels will require new skills for current and future seafarers. As a result, we have produced our TRAINALTER study, which focuses on identifying specific competences for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and energy systems, and which we hope will support the revision of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).Finally, with a new study called MARCOMPASS, we are also examining how the green and digital transition of shipping will impact the competent authorities in the Member States, which will need to accompany the process by implementing and enforcing the relevant legislation.In the EU, the extension of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to maritime transport and the provisions of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation are fundamental pillars for the green transition of shipping. The EMSA hosts the digital solution THETIS-MRV, which is annually used by approximately 3,600 companies, responsible for more than 12,600 ships calling EU ports, as well as by 23 accredited, independent conformityMaritime safety90 NX
                                
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