Shipping decarbonization needs practical rules not just promises says EmissionLink on EU ETS and IMO carbon overlap

Shipping companies face a growing risk of double carbon costs as EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, and future IMO rules overlap. EmissionLink warns that without clear guidance on how these systems interact, shipowners could end up paying twice for the same emissions while also duplicating reporting and compliance processes. Philippos Ioulianou, Managing Director of EmissionLink, says the industry needs practical rules that reconcile EU and IMO obligations, recognize equivalent payments, and specify what evidence is required to prove a tonne of emissions has not been penalized more than once. The company has already handled FuelEU emissions data for over 600 vessels. EmissionLink also argues that carbon pricing revenues must be directed back into maritime decarbonization infrastructure rather than becoming a general government revenue stream. The article makes the case that regulation must support the transition, not just add cost and complexity.