That’s putting pressure on the EU to take a more active role.
The key ask from industry is for Brussels to be clear that if the IMO succeeds in bringing in its own system, called the Net-Zero Framework, then shippers won’t also be faced with fees under the EU’s Emissions Trading System and its FuelEU Maritime Regulation.
“At this critical juncture, we believe the Commission must send a clear message to the other countries in the IMO process: that the EU … will avoid any double regulation and double payment for the same emissions,” said Sotiris Raptis, secretary-general with the European Shipowners lobby.
That demand was formalized in an Oct. 3 letter from the European Shipowners to Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, seen by POLITICO, urging Brussels to speak with one voice before the vote.
In August, Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra said the EU would review both its ETS and FuelEU Maritime Regulation if the IMO standard created a “significant” extra cost for shippers. But industry says that might not be clear or specific enough.
Major industry groups — from Japan, Belgium, the Netherlands, Singapore, the U.K., Norway and Denmark — have also signed a joint statement urging the EU to take a clear position. They argue that Europe, which already leads on shipping climate policy, should “send a message of alignment” once the IMO deal is adopted.