The Commission of the EU set up the European Sustainable Shipping Forum to assist the Commission with the implementation of EU and international environment legislatiaon aimed at fostering sustainable maritime transport within the Union.

ESSF consists of EU Member State's maritime transport authorities and public and/or private organizations active in maritime transport related areas.

ESSF provides a platform for structural dialogue, exchange of technical knowledge, cooperation and coordination between the Commission, EU Member States, EFTA countries and relevant industry's stakeholders.

ESSF set up six sub-groups to work on the following subjects:

- Marine LNG

- Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS)- Scrubbers

- Implementation of the Sulphur Directive

- Research, Technological Development & Innovation

- Competitiveness of EU Maritime Transport

- Financing Aspects

ESSF has a mandate for the period November 2013-November 2015, which can be extended, if necessary.

Plenary Meetings take place twice a year. Two Plenary Meetings took place on 25th November 2013 and 26th June 2014. Next scheduled Plenary Meeting is on 4th of December.

Sub-groups meet between Plenary Meetings, as necessary and bring their recommendations to the next Plenary Meeting for adoption.

A seventh sub-group on Port Reception Facilities was proposed, with a mandate for the period February-November 2015.

The work of ESSF is of utmost value to the marine industry and maritime community of the EU, especially those active in technological fields and geographical areas related with the implementation of EU and international environmental regulations.

The basic results and recommendations of this work, until the date of NAV 2015 Conference, will be presented in a concise and comprehensive format.