Global ferry trade association Interferry has called on the European Commission to harmonise its shipping emissions rules with the International Maritime Organization’s new Net-Zero Framework, warning operators could otherwise face double charges.
The group said ferries risk being penalised under both the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) and FuelEU Maritime regulations as well as the IMO regime, due to be adopted in October.
“We cannot have a situation where operators are paying twice for the same emissions,” said Johan Roos, Interferry’s Director of Regulatory Affairs. “The European Commission pledged to align its rules once a strong global framework was established at the IMO. It’s time to deliver on that promise.”
Interferry joins other maritime organisations, including the International Chamber of Shipping, in urging Brussels to address the overlap.
The IMO’s global framework, agreed in April, requires a phased reduction in ships’ greenhouse gas intensity and introduces penalties for non-compliance.
