Greek owners deplore EU emissions rules — except for charterers’ carbon liability

Greek shipowners have welcomed that charterers may have to carry some of the carbon cost of ships trading in the European Union.

In a considerable concession to the maritime industry, EU regulators acknowledged that charterers may become liable for carbon allowances, as the bloc includes shipping in its cap-and-trade Emissions Trading System (ETS).

“In line with the polluter-pays principle, the shipping company could, by means of a contractual arrangement, hold the entity that is directly responsible for the decisions affecting the CO₂ emissions of the ship accountable for the compliance costs under this directive,” the draft EU legislation, unveiled by the European Commission on Wednesday, said.