Decarbonisation of the Maritime Industry
Supporting you in your journey towards a decarbonised shipping industry
The decarbonisation of the shipping industry is a non-negotiable and the moment is now. Our team of experts advise clients on compliance with current and expected regulatory obligations through charter contracts, financing arrangements, shipbuilding contracts and other broader issues relating to the green transition of the maritime industry.
Decarbonisation is a high-profile global issue with every sector impacted by the process and push towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The global endeavour to combat climate change has intensified the focus on decarbonising industries across the spectrum, and the maritime sector in particular is no exception.
In recent years, the urgency to address the environmental impact of shipping has spurred a monumental shift on the road towards the green transition of the shipping industry. With decarbonisation efforts and strategies at the forefront of the world’s leading shipowners, operators, manufacturers, suppliers and traders, our team provide essential support in the journey to create a net-zero future for the shipping industry.
We provide legal expertise, guidance and support across a broad range of decarbonisation matters, including:
- Compliance and Regulatory (including IMO and EU measures)
- Emissions Reduction Target Strategies
- Contracts, including charterparties (with CII/EEXI provisions and EU ETS clauses)
- Liability and Risk Management
- Asset Finance
- Employment Law
- Dispute Resolution
Every player involved in the shipping chain, including shipping companies need to be aware of the ever-changing landscape of carbon emission regulations, as well as the alternative energy options available to them. This is why we provide key value-added services to clients, ensuring they are well-informed of these developments. Whether it is through our unrivalled ‘Decarbonisation in Shipping’ podcast, where we discuss IMO targets, financing and the EU ETS; or via regularly hosted training sessions and seminars, we understand the importance of working with clients to plan and help create a decarbonised world.
It's a very responsive team with strong partner involvement and attention, as well as knowledgeable and attentive associates.
Chambers UK, Asset Finance: Shipping Finance
The lawyers are extremely knowledgeable within shipping transactions, buying/seller/chartering and also the corporate structure, shareholder documents and financings.
The Legal 500, Transport Finance & Leasing
News
MEPC 84
The IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee concluded its 84th session on 1 May 2026 without reaching consensus on global shipping emissions. The Committee scheduled two inter-sessional meetings for later this year to pursue negotiations (1-4 Sept.; 23-27 Nov. 2026) ahead of MEPC 85 (30 Nov. - 3 Dec. 2026). The Committee may resume its Second Extraordinary Session on the Net-Zero Framework (suspended in Oct. 2025) on 4 December 2026, subject to confirmation at MEPC 85.
A new Emission Control Area (ECA) was adopted for the North-East Atlantic, introducing stricter emission limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM). The entry into force date is set for 1 September 2027, with the ECA taking effect 12 months later in 2028.
UK ETS - Maritime Sector
On 1 April 2026, UK legislation in the form of SI 2026/392 - The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Maritime Activities) Order 2026 was passed, extending the scope of the UK ETS to now include the maritime sector, with effect from 1 July 2026.
Our FuelEU Maritime Series
FuelEU Maritime Series – Part 1: Vessels, emissions and scope
FuelEU Maritime Series – Part 2: Exemptions and Responsibility
FuelEU Maritime Series – Part 3: Timeline
FuelEU Maritime Series – Part 4: Compliance and Adjustment Mechanisms
FuelEU Maritime Series – Part 5: RFNBOs, OPS and Penalties
FuelEU Maritime Series – Part 6: Legal issues
FuelEU Maritime Series – Encore: Contractual Allocation of Responsibility Between Shipowners and Cha
FuelEU Maritime: How can DOC holders reduce their risks?
Our EU ETS Maritime Series
EU ETS Maritime Series – Part 1: Vessels, Emissions and Scope
EU ETS Maritime Series – Part 2: Responsibility, MRV Obligations
EU ETS Maritime Series – Part 3: Allowances and Cost Allocation
EU ETS Maritime Series – Part 4: Exclusions and Enforcement
EU ETS Maritime Series – Part 5: Regulatory Interaction – CII, FuelEU
EU ETS Maritime Series – Part 6: Regulatory Interaction – CII, FuelEU
Our UK ETS Maritime Series
UK ETS for the Maritime Sector – Update – Part 1 of 2
UK ETS for the Maritime Sector – Update – Part 2 of 2
Our Marine Podcast
This podcast channel features in-depth conversations with our marine specialists and guests on the latest developments in the field.
Listen nowMeet the team
Marie-Anne Moussalli
Partner
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