02/01/2026
Revenue from the shipping Emissions Trading System will be tied to green investments, pending alignment with the IMO. Brussels is accommodating ECSA’s requests.
Brussels – The European Union is preparing to tie approximately €10 billion per year of ETS revenues generated by maritime transport to projects to decarbonize the sector. The measure is expected to be announced by the European Commission next month as part of the new maritime and port industrial strategy, with the aim of supporting the climate transition while preserving the competitiveness of European shipping. According to Lloyd’s List, Brussels intends to introduce dedicated mechanisms and an industry task force to ensure that member states allocate ETS revenues to investments related to maritime decarbonization. The Commission recognizes that, without a constraint, shipping projects would risk being penalized when competing with other sectors for access to funding. A specific instrument for the decarbonization of the EU fleet is also planned within the framework of the Trans-European Energy Networks funding programs.
The proposal responds to long-standing requests from ECSA (the European Shipowners’ Association), which has called for mandatory reinvestment of national ETSI revenues in the maritime sector , particularly to accelerate the adoption of clean technologies and the production of alternative fuels in Europe. However, uncertainties remain regarding the international decision-making process.
The EU has reiterated its intention to align its maritime climate legislation with a possible global agreement on the Net-Zero Framework, which could emerge at the International Maritime Organization by October. Should an agreement be reached, Brussels aims to restore a level playing field between European and international operators, avoiding the risk of double taxation for the industry. Several options, including the possibility of allocating part of the ETS revenues to non-EU countries, are being considered but are not yet included in the preliminary text.
At the same time, the Commission reports growing concerns about the competitiveness of EU ports, linked to evasive practices in transhipment and bunkering that could lead to carbon leakage and a loss of market share. Brussels is monitoring these risks in the implementation of the Maritime ETS and FuelEU Maritime and is considering corrective measures in upcoming legislative reviews.