European Shipowners Push EU ETS Funding for Sustainable Fuels and Call for Unified Global Ship‑Recycling Rules

European Shipowners’ Association (ECSA) and Airlines for Europe (A4E) urged the European Commission to direct a larger share of EU and national Emissions Trading System (ETS) revenues toward investments that make sustainable fuels and related technologies available for shipping and aviation. They note that the sector currently contributes over €11 billion annually to the EU ETS – roughly €9 billion from shipping and €2.3 billion from aviation – yet the revenues are not being recycled into decarbonisation projects. "Bridging the price gap between sustainable and conventional fuels is key to increasing their availability on the market," said ECSA Secretary‑General Sotiris Raptis, while A4E Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou highlighted the shortfall of SAF allowances for 2030.

In a related advocacy effort, ECSA and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) released a study calling for closer alignment between the EU Ship Recycling Regulation and the International Maritime Organization’s Hong Kong Convention, which entered into force on 26 June 2025. The study argues that a single global rulebook would reduce fragmentation, improve safety and environmental standards, and facilitate the inclusion of non‑OECD yards that meet required criteria. Raptis described the Hong Kong Convention’s entry into force as a “major milestone” for safe ship recycling, and the report identifies concrete areas where EU experience could strengthen the international framework.