Scenario 1: Maritime compliance costs are no longer confined to regional regulation. Based on current policy timelines and market assumptions, the industry’s annual compliance bill could rise from around USD 2.7 billion in 2024 to more than USD 57 billion by 2032, with the IMO framework becoming the largest driver of future cost exposure.
The full storyNew emission levies are emerging in parts of Africa. For now, the direct cost impact is limited. But that’s not the most important takeaway.
2025 marks the first year of FuelEU Maritime reporting, and shipowners along with their managers are now preparing their data ahead of the 31 March submission deadline. Among the new requirements, one mechanism stands out as complex, yet important, if you want to cut compliance costs: fuel allocation.
Our CDO, Geir Olafsen, was recently asked to write a commentary for an ESG-themed issue of the Norwegian newspaper Finansavisa’s supplement, Kapital. He offered a clear-eyed view of why global climate action in shipping is stalling at the IMO and how regional initiatives, especially in the EU, are now shaping the path forward. To make these insights accessible to our international audience, we’re sharing an English version of his perspective on the regulatory shifts that will define the future of maritime decarbonisation.
