By
Laura Hyde |
Interferry is calling on the European Commission to “immediately harmonise” its unilateral European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the FuelEU Maritime Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1805) with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) net-zero framework, which was agreed by members in April 2025. The regulations will be formally adopted in October and come into force in 2027.
The ferry association warns failure to align greenhouse gas regulations will lead to ferry operators paying twice for the same emissions. The overlap will lead to an “unsustainable” financial burden on European ferry operators, affecting trade and travel services for Europe’s ro-ro cargo and ro-pax operators. It may also push freight and passenger volumes onto already congested European road networks, according to Interferry. Europe’s ferry industry transports up to 800 million passengers and 200 million vehicles and freight units annually, which significantly alleviates pressure on the road network.
“We cannot have a situation where operators are paying twice for the same emissions,” said Johan Roos, director of regulatory affairs at Interferry. “The European Commission pledged to align its rules once a strong global framework was established at the IMO. That framework is now in place. It’s time for the European Commission to deliver on its promise, ensure regulatory consistency, and protect the vital role ferries play in Europe’s economy and connectivity.”