ETS amendments to channel money back to the maritime sector and address loophole

The European Commission’s proposed EU ETS review includes several changes affecting the maritime sector, alongside the continued implementation of FuelEU Maritime.

The proposals address both the scope and administration of maritime emissions coverage, as well as concerns around potential evasive behaviour and the cost of transitioning to lower-emission propulsion. They also introduce a new mechanism intended to support shipping companies using sustainable maritime fuels and zero-emission technologies.

This article examines two proposed changes in particular: the treatment of neighbouring transshipment ports and the new sustainable maritime propulsion mechanism. It considers how these measures could affect EU ETS compliance, fuel choices, and the interaction between the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime.