European shipowners are calling on the European Union to redirect revenues generated by the bloc’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) directly into the production of clean marine fuels, arguing that the funds should help close the cost gap between conventional and sustainable alternatives.
Speaking at a European Commission event focused on the EU ETS revision, Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General of the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), highlighted that the shipping sector contributes approximately EUR 9 billion to the EU ETS each year, according to Ship & Bunker. ECSA’s position is that this significant revenue stream should be channelled into scaling up clean marine fuel supply across Europe.
## A Mismatch Between Demand and Supply
The call comes against a backdrop of stark imbalance in the sustainable fuels landscape. As reported by Ship & Bunker, ECSA noted that Europe currently accounts for just 10% of global sustainable fuel production, with less than 5% of that output allocated to the maritime sector. This stands in sharp contrast to European shipowners’ considerable stake in the future fleet — the association says they represent 44% of the global orderbook for vessels designed to operate on sustainable fuels.
## Supply-Side Obligations and Global Alignment
Beyond funding, ECSA is pressing for structural changes on two fronts. The association urged the EU to introduce supply-side obligations for fuel providers, noting that shipping remains the only transport mode where suppliers face no mandates to make cleaner fuels available. Additionally, ECSA called for the development of a global regulatory framework through the International Maritime Organization (IMO), with the aim of preventing conflicting or overlapping requirements between regional and international rules.
The association’s broader message is clear: investment in production infrastructure and coherent regulatory alignment are essential if European shipping is to meet its decarbonisation commitments without bearing an undue competitive burden.
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*Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.*
**Sources:** Ship & Bunker
