Top 10 Environmental Compliance Challenges in Shipping

Discover the top 10 environmental compliance challenges facing the shipping industry in 2025. Learn how shipowners and crews can navigate regulations, reduce emissions, and future-proof their operations.

Why Environmental Compliance Matters in Modern Maritime Operations

The shipping industry is under intense global scrutiny as climate change, ocean pollution, and regulatory demands reshape maritime operations. International shipping accounts for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and stakeholders—from regulators to charterers—are demanding rapid environmental action. The International Maritime Organization (IMO), regional authorities, and classification societies are issuing sweeping regulations to reduce emissions, eliminate invasive species, and improve waste management.

For shipowners, operators, and seafarers, complying with this evolving regulatory landscape isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about avoiding detentions, financial penalties, reputational damage, and environmental harm. This article dives deep into the top 10 environmental compliance challenges shipping faces in 2025, highlighting both the problems and the practical paths forward.

1. Meeting CII and EEXI Targets

Challenge: Operational adaptation and technical retrofitting

The IMO’s CII and EEXI frameworks are now fully in force, with 2025 seeing stricter enforcement across Port State Control (PSC) and charter party clauses. Many older ships struggle to meet efficiency targets without shaft power limitations, hull modifications, or voyage optimization.

Real-World Example: A 15-year-old Aframax tanker was forced to install an Engine Power Limitation (EPL) device to meet its EEXI, while modifying its trim and routing strategy to improve CII ratings.

Solution: Implement dynamic route planning tools and adopt low-friction hull coatings to improve energy performance.

2. Fuel Transition and Availability of Green Alternatives

Challenge: Compliance with emission limits amid fuel uncertainty

The move away from heavy fuel oil (HFO) continues to challenge shipowners. While Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) is widely available, emerging fuels like green methanol, ammonia, and bio-LNG face logistical and cost-related barriers.

Industry Insight: Maersk launched its first green methanol-fueled container vessel in 2023 but noted that scalable methanol supply remains limited outside major hubs.

Solution: Use dual-fuel engines and fuel-flexible technologies while securing long-term bunker supply agreements in key ports.

3. Ballast Water Management Compliance

Challenge: Effective operation and maintenance of Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS)

As of 2025, 100% compliance with the D-2 standard is mandatory for ships trading internationally. Many operators report operational difficulties with BWMS—particularly with UV systems in turbid waters or electrochlorination systems requiring chemical storage.

Example: A vessel was detained in Singapore after PSC officers discovered a malfunctioning BWMS bypass valve, resulting in a MARPOL violation.

Solution: Regular crew training, real-time system monitoring, and preventive maintenance of treatment components.

4. Air Emission Controls in Emission Control Areas (ECAs)

Challenge: Fuel switching and scrubber maintenance

Vessels entering ECAs (such as North American coasts, the Baltic Sea, and Mediterranean as of 2025) must use low-sulfur fuels or exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers). However, open-loop scrubbers are banned in many ports, increasing pressure to find compliant alternatives.

Stat: According to EMSA, over 30 ports in Europe now restrict or prohibit open-loop scrubber discharges due to marine pollution concerns.

Solution: Switch to closed-loop or hybrid scrubbers, or use compliant fuels in designated zones.

5. Waste Management and MARPOL Annex V Compliance

Challenge: Disposal and record-keeping of solid and food waste

Inadequate waste segregation, incineration logs, or garbage discharge documentation is a persistent issue. Mismanagement can lead to MARPOL Annex V violations, especially during random PSC inspections.

Case Study: A ferry operator in the Mediterranean was fined for failing to keep a garbage record book updated, leading to port refusal and reputation loss.

Solution: Digital waste tracking systems and structured onboard waste training programs.

6. Biofouling and Invasive Species Control

Challenge: Maintaining hull hygiene and reducing ecological transfer

IMO’s updated Biofouling Guidelines now influence regional policy-making. Australia and New Zealand, for example, already enforce strict pre-arrival hull cleanliness standards. Ships with excessive hull growth may be denied entry or required to perform underwater cleaning at anchorages.

Analogy: Think of biofouling like barnacles on a whale—it increases drag, fuel consumption, and spreads invasive species globally.

Solution: Schedule regular hull inspections and use anti-fouling coatings approved under the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems (AFS Convention).

7. Ship Recycling Compliance with IHM and the Hong Kong Convention

Challenge: Maintaining a compliant IHM document for operational vessels

By 2025, many flag states and port authorities are inspecting ships for IHM readiness. Missing or outdated IHM documentation—especially on EU-bound ships—can lead to PSC detentions or refusal of access.

Industry Insight: DNV reports that over 15% of surveyed vessels had inconsistencies in their IHM Part I documents in 2024.

Solution: Partner with certified service providers for continuous IHM maintenance integrated into planned maintenance systems.

8. GHG Reporting and Carbon Pricing Regulations

Challenge: Accurate emissions tracking and market-based compliance

Shipping’s inclusion in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) starting in 2024 marks a seismic shift. Shipowners must now purchase carbon credits for voyages to and from EU ports, with reporting via MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification) protocols.

Real-World Effect: Some ship operators have begun charging carbon surcharges on freight rates to offset ETS costs.

Solution: Use digital emissions management tools to track, report, and optimize CO₂ profiles. Start budgeting for carbon allowances in voyage planning.

9. Noise and Underwater Pollution Regulation

Challenge: Minimizing ship-generated acoustic pollution

Marine environmental organizations and port authorities are increasingly pushing for reduction of underwater noise, which affects marine mammals. Though not yet mandatory globally, regional bodies like Canada’s Vancouver Fraser Port Authority have introduced incentive programs for quieter ships.

Emerging Tech: Propeller modifications, hull air lubrication, and real-time noise monitoring are under pilot use.

10. Digital Compliance and Cybersecurity Risks

Challenge: Integration of digital tools while safeguarding operational security

Environmental compliance increasingly relies on digital systems—like e-certificates, e-logs, and cloud-based monitoring. However, cybersecurity threats are a growing concern, especially as remote inspections and digital submissions become the norm.

Example: A cyberattack in 2023 on a European ship registry delayed emissions reporting, affecting over 20 vessels.

Solution: Implement IMO-compliant cyber risk policies in the Safety Management System (SMS), as outlined in IMO Resolution MSC.428(98).

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Case Studies & Real-World Examples

Case Study 1: Successful Methanol Transition on a Feeder Vessel

A container feeder operating in Northern Europe switched to green methanol in 2024, meeting CII targets and participating in a pilot ETS program. Operational feedback highlighted smoother fuel handling and positive feedback from ports with green corridor incentives.

Case Study 2: Ballast Water Non-Compliance in the Philippines

A Panamax bulk carrier was detained for operating its UV BWMS in murky port waters, which fell outside the system’s salinity limits. The operator had failed to check manufacturer specifications, resulting in costly off-hire time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which regulation is the biggest challenge for ships in 2025?

CII and EU ETS are currently the most impactful, requiring both operational and financial adjustments.

2. How can shipowners comply with multiple environmental rules at once?

Adopt an integrated compliance management system using software platforms that cover emissions, waste, fuel, and maintenance.

3. Are older ships at greater risk of non-compliance?

Yes. Aging ships may require retrofitting or engine limitations to meet efficiency and emissions standards.

4. Is environmental compliance more costly than beneficial?

While upfront costs can be high, long-term compliance protects market access, avoids penalties, and enhances charter attractiveness.

5. Can seafarers be held responsible for environmental violations?

Yes. Inadequate training or logbook errors can result in penalties or license suspensions for officers.

Conclusion

In 2025, environmental compliance in shipping is no longer optional or superficial—it is embedded in every voyage, fuel decision, and maintenance task. From GHG reporting and ballast water management to cyber-resilient operations and sustainable fuels, the top challenges are also opportunities for smarter, cleaner, and more resilient fleets.

The future of maritime trade depends on the industry’s ability to meet these environmental imperatives. Whether you’re a shipowner, engineer, maritime cadet, or port official, staying informed and proactive is your best strategy for success.

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