The European Commission’s pledge to stop shipping companies from being charged twice for the same emissions has been welcomed by the integrated emissions management service EmissionLink. However, the industry requires clear and practical guidance on how this will be implemented amid overlapping regulations. Shipping faces a complex regulatory landscape including the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), FuelEU Maritime, and upcoming International Maritime Organization (IMO) Net-Zero Framework, each with different scopes and calculation methods.

EmissionLink warns that without detailed instructions, avoiding duplicate charges will be challenging, as vessels trading in Europe might face multiple regulations with differing obligations and data requirements. This complexity risks double reporting, increased costs, and confusion for shipowners. Philippos Ioulianou, Managing Director of EmissionLink, emphasized the need for clarity on how EU and IMO rules will be reconciled and how proof against double penalties will be ensured.

Additionally, EmissionLink stressed the importance of accurate, auditable emissions data combined with expert interpretation to navigate these regulations. The company also called for revenue generated from carbon pricing to be reinvested into maritime decarbonisation to avoid turning emissions regulations into mere tax burdens. The industry is pushing for practical, transparent, and enforceable rules that facilitate compliance and support a fair transition to lower-carbon shipping operations.