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 Maritime Regulations and Shipping News

The EU ETS revision proposal changes maritime compliance by widening scope, adding offshore operations, integrating MRV and FuelEU reporting, aligning responsible entities and creating a new allowance reserve for sustainable fuels and zero-emission propulsion. This article explains the key changes, timelines and contractual implications for shipping companies.

With the adoption of the IMO Net-Zero Framework delayed and political consensus uncertain, regulatory fragmentation becomes a real risk. Regulatory pressure will and in fact is already reappearing elsewhere. The EU has already moved ahead with EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime. The UK is extending its own emissions trading scheme to shipping. African countries have or are implementing national carbon tax schemes.

The regulatory landscape for shipping has never been more dynamic. Three major frameworks will likely dominate the conversation going forward. Let's explore the side effects of these regulations and how they have changed the industry. EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) Since its extension to maritime in 2024, the EU Emissions Trading System has changed the way owners and charterers collaborate. What was once siloed consumption data is now the basis for voyage statements, EUA r

As shipping companies navigate the complex cost landscape shaped by FuelEU Maritime, understanding the trade-offs between compliance options becomes essential. This week, we revisit the biofuel vs pooling discussion of previous newsletters with a focused case study: a containership on a transatlantic voyage. Voyage Details: Route: New York to Hamburg Speed: 24 knots Duration: ~6 days Fuel Consumption (50%): 200 tonnes MDO + 450 tonnes VLSFO Regulatory Scope: 50% exposure to F

With EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime dominating shipping's decarbonisation agendas at the moment and the IMO Net-Zero Framework on the horizon, shipping companies are looking for the best alternative fuels that meet both operational and regulatory needs. Among these, Bio-LNG is emerging, not just as alternative fuel, but as a key option foshipping to comply with FuelEU Maritime, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), and the IMO Net-Zero Framework. In today’s newsletter, we loo

The FuelEU Maritime Regulation has been a hot topic in the EU for more than a year. But as of last Friday, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has followed suit and has finalized its Net-Zero Framework, as amendment to MARPOL Annex VI. This new framework is a major step towards maritime decarbonisation, with a compliance mechanism that closely mirrors the FuelEU Maritime Regulation — but on a worldwide scale. In this newsletter, we explain the basic elements of the

IBIA Highlights BetterSea’s Insights on EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, and IMO Net-Zero Framework. At the recent IBIA (International Bunker Industry Association) Member Meeting held on April 14, 2025, industry stakeholders convened to discuss the key outcomes from the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) 83 session. IBIA featured BetterSea’s latest blog post analyzing the financial implications of the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), a

As the maritime industry tackles FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS, the business case for Onshore Power Supply (OPS)—also known as shore power or cold ironing—is becoming increasingly interesting for shipping companies. By allowing vessels to reduce their fuel consumption while at berth and draw power from the local electricity grid, OPS reduces at-berth emissions, and can help save FuelEU Maritime penalties and EU ETS costs. This week's newsletter dives into what OPS is, whether it

In our previous newsletters, we examined different business cases for compliance with FuelEU Maritime. We specifically focused on biofuel vs pooling and e-LNG. These case studies considered compliance costs under FuelEU Maritime alone. However, for shipping companies, compliance costs also include EU ETS (Emissions Trading System). Overview of EU ETS As a reminder, the EU ETS is a significant regulation that puts a price on each tonne of CO2 emitted within its scope. Beginnin