Carbon has become a financial factor in shipping. With the EU ETS in force and the IMO set to introduce global carbon pricing, emissions now influence freight markets, contracts, and route economics.
Carbon costs redefine maritime markets
Carbon has become a financial factor in shipping. With the EU ETS in force and the IMO set to introduce global carbon pricing, emissions now influence freight markets, contracts, and route economics.
Carbon is now a tradable risk in shipping.
With the EU ETS already live and the IMO’s global carbon pricing framework set for adoption in October, emissions are no longer just a compliance issue - they’re a financial variable.
For commercial shipping, this means:
• FFAs meet Carbon Markets – freight hedging now sits alongside EUA futures and emerging carbon-linked indices.
• Contracts evolve – BIMCO ETS/FuelEU clauses push owners and charterers toward transparent carbon cost sharing.
• New volatility drivers – EUA swings (€60–€100/t) and IMO’s planned $100–$380/t global levy will reshape route economics.
MCS plays an important role as shipping’s competitiveness will hinge not only on fuel efficiency but also on how well players navigate the carbon-financial nexus.