The European Union has assured that it will not allow a situation where shipowners are forced to pay double carbon payments according to European and international standards. This was stated by European Commissioner for Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas during the opening of the Posidonia-2026 exhibition.
This is reported by Finway
Increased requirements and financial burden
Starting in 2026, the requirements for ships operating within the EU to participate in the greenhouse gas emissions trading system (ETS) will increase to 100%. This has significantly increased the financial pressure on European shipowners, who now have to account for new costs in their operations.
“I want to be clear: European companies will not pay twice — both in Europe and at the IMO,” Tzitzikostas stated in his speech.
The Commissioner also emphasized that the funds obtained from carbon levies should be directed towards the development of the industry. In particular, funding should be aimed at investments in clean fuels, modern propulsion systems, and innovative technologies, rather than replenishing the general state budget.
Strategic risks and industry support
Tzitzikostas specifically pointed out the growing dependence of Europe’s shipping industry on non-European sources of financing. Increasingly, EU shipping companies are engaging leasing and financial structures outside of Europe to purchase new vessels. According to him, this poses new strategic risks, as ownership of such vessels often remains outside the EU and is subject to additional production requirements.
The Commissioner also promised to simplify reporting procedures under the ETS and the FuelEU Maritime program, as well as reduce bureaucratic pressure on companies. He stressed that the competitiveness of the European shipping industry must be accompanied by a reduction in administrative burdens.
According to the European Commission, maritime transport accounts for 76% of EU imports and 73% of exports, with the annual value of maritime imports reaching approximately 1.3 trillion euros.