By
Mike Corrigan |
Interferry is marking a historic milestone in 2026: our 50th year as the single voice of the global ferry industry. While this jubilee is a time for celebration, it also finds us at a critical regulatory and operational crossroads. From the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, UK, to the shores and waterways across the globe, our mission remains clear: to ensure the ferry sector remains safe, sustainable and economically viable.
One of our most important political issues in recent months has been climate regulation. The regulatory landscape for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is currently fraught with uncertainty. Following the non-agreement on the Net-Zero Framework (NZF) at the IMO, we find ourselves in a period of reflection of at least one year that must be used wisely – in particular with regard to European Union (EU) regulations.
Interferry has always advocated for technical solutions over purely financial measures; we believe collecting money is a poor substitute for genuine green development. Therefore, our message to the EU is firm: a further implementation of the Maritime Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) must be paused.
The ETS is scheduled to increase its scope from 70 per cent to 100 per cent in 2026, collecting €1.15 billion from the European ferry industry annually. However, with the NZF in limbo and the EU’s own postponement of the inclusion of road transport in the ETS until at least 2028, continuing the maritime phase-in creates a dangerous competitive imbalance. Ferries are a vital part of the European transport infrastructure, offloading 200 million vehicles from Europe’s roads annually. Taxing this green alternative while road transport remains exempt risks a contradictory incentive where cargo and passengers shift back to congested motorways.
Interferry’s conferences include panels of ferry executives discussing key issues such as decarbonisation
Furthermore, we must address the lack of transparency in how ETS funds are used. We call for 100 per cent of these revenues be reinvested into the maritime sector – as would be the case if the global framework under the IMO is agreed. Specifically, we seek investments for shore power, e-fuels and electrification, rather than the revenues vanishing into national budgets.
Another of our ongoing priorities is improving safety, a commitment best exemplified by the FerrySafe initiative. While the global industry has made great strides, domestic ferry safety in developing regions remains a challenge we are determined to overcome.
Building on our successful 2024 Africa Safety initiatives, the 2025 conference in Lagos and our partnership with Lagos State Waterways Authority in Nigeria, we will launch an intensive 18-month mentoring and training programme in 2026. We are also deepening our ties with the Maritime Organization for West and Central Africa and maintaining our engagement in Southeast Asia. This year, we will continue to work closely with the IMO alongside local ferry operators and national associations in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand to share best practices and help build first-class safety management systems.
Chao Phraya Express Boat will host Interferry’s next annual conference in Bangkok, Thailand, from 31 October to 4 November 2026
2026 is our golden jubilee year, marking an ideal time to reflect on 50 years of collaboration. Ferries are unique, even within the shipping sector, and we are proud to represent the broad interests of our favourite industry on behalf of global members every day.
Since our founding, Interferry has grown into an industry association representing over 280 member companies. We will celebrate this legacy throughout the year, culminating in the 50th Annual Interferry Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, from 31 October to 4 November 2026. Hosted by Chao Phraya Express Boat, the conference will be more than a celebration; it will be a platform where senior decision makers tackle the issues shaping our next 50 years.
We are ‘Stronger Together’, and as we look towards Bangkok, I invite you to join us in helping define the future of the ferry industry.
Over the coming months, Interferry will invite selected members to share their insights into what makes Interferry a vital player in the global ferry industry via its LinkedIn page.
A Canadian former energy industry executive, Mike Corrigan joined Interferry as CEO in 2017 after 14 years with BC Ferries – among the world’s largest ferry operators – where he was president and CEO from 2012.
Discover more insights like this in the Spring/Summer 2026 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review.Don’t miss out – subscribe for FREE and get the next issue delivered straight to your inbox.