With just 100 days remaining before the September 30, 2025 deadline to surrender carbon allowances under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), the maritime industry is under intense pressure to comply or face fines, reputational damage, and port access restrictions.
Industry Not Prepared
According to Philippos Ioulianou, Managing Director of EmissionLink (Columbia Group), many shipping operators are still unprepared. Only 40% of companies submitted verified emissions reports by the March 31 deadline, exposing deep gaps in readiness and structural misalignment between the global nature of shipping and the national-level ETS enforcement system.
Key Challenges Include
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Fragmented responsibility: Shipowners, operators, and charterers struggle with unclear roles.
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Contractual ambiguity: Unresolved cost-sharing for allowances leads to disputes.
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Administrative delays: Inconsistent processes across EU member states slow down registration and compliance efforts.
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Financial exposure: Volatile carbon pricing and delayed payments by charterers leave ship managers at risk.
Escalating Compliance Demands
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2024: 40% emissions coverage
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2025: 70% emissions coverage
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2026: Full 100% emissions coverage
The burden will grow, making future compliance cycles even more complex.
The upcoming September 30 deadline is not just a regulatory checkpoint, but a turning point for the industry. As compliance becomes linked to profitability and reputation, companies must act swiftly and collaboratively to meet rising climate standards and reshape the future of maritime operations.
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Source: TANK NEWS INTERNATIONAL
