Market Intelligence [Nov. 2025] Special Report
- Decarbonization Regulations Trends in the Shipping Industry

Registration dateNOV 13, 2025

Decarbonization Regulations Trends

The shipping industry's IMO(International Maritime Organization)-led environmental regulations face slow progress and weak enforceability. The EU's stringent measures are driving widespread expansion of decarbonization regulation.

IMO, as part of its 2050 carbon neutrality initiative, has set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030, 70% by 2040, and reach complete carbon neutrality (100% reduction) by 2050, relative to 2008 levels.

[Decarbonization Regulation Trends ]

CII(Carbon Intensity Indicator)

IMO is reducing emissions and strengthening eco-regulations in shipping. Operational measures are expanding, but limits exist in reducing emissions.

CII is one of IMO's GHG reduction regulations since 2023, and is calculated based on fuel consumption during operations. The regulation applies to Vessels over 5,000 GT in international trade. Vessels that receive a D rating three times consecutively or an E rating once are required to submit an improvement plan and obtain approval.

[CII Rating Status (Container ships)]

Category (No. of vessel)	2025		2026		D-E %
Category (No. of vessel)	A-C	D-E	A-C	D-E	2025	2026
Container ships	2,396	618	2,380	634	21%	21%
Post-P'max(17,000+ TEU)	147	74	138	83	33%	38%
Post-P'max(12,000~16,999)	364	174	357	181	32%	34%
Neo-P'max(8,000~11,999)	336	358	336	358	52%	52%
Intermed.(3,000~7,999)	1,549	12	1,549	12	1%	1%

FuelEU Maritime

EU's GHG reduction policies manage fuel carbon intensity, reducing fossil fuel use in shipping and directly promoting the shift to eco-friendly fuels.

FuelEU Maritime is part of the EU’s “Fit for 55” package for 2050 carbon neutrality. It applies to large vessels of 5,000 GT or more. In cases of non-compliance, penalties are imposed, and ships that fail to comply for two consecutive times may be subject to a port access ban.

EU ETS(EU Emissions Trading System)

EU ETS is though EU-based, it has become a global standard and key pillar of the carbon market, and it encourages voluntary emission reduction through complementarity with FuelEU Maritime regulation.

EU ETS is One of the EU’s “Fit for 55” legislative packages and carriers must purchase allowances equal to their annual GHG emissions. In the event of non-compliance, vessels are subject to a penalty in the form of unpaid allowances.

Carrier Trends in Response to Regulations

Carriers pass on environmental costs to shippers through surcharges. They also speed up eco-fuel vessel orders to strengthen regulatory compliance. About 42% of major carriers’ fleets can already operate on alternative fuels.

[Share of Alternative-Fuel Vessels]