With the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime regulations now reshaping the commercial landscape, ship owners should prepare early to avoid higher costs, limited credit availability, and potential impact on operations, warns Columbia Group.

FuelEU pooling allows shipping companies to collectively meet their compliance requirements by transferring compliance surpluses between different vessels within a pool. This mechanism allows for the use of one vessel’s over-compliance to offset the under-compliance of others, provided the total pooled compliance is positive.

However, Philippos Ioulianou, EmissionLink Managing Director explains how it is one of the most misunderstood aspects of regulation. There remains a misconception that vessels can simply join forces and share compliance obligations informally, but requirements around pooling are much more complex, he says.

For example, ships must demonstrate an operational link, establish formal agreements, and designate a lead entity for emissions tracking and verification.

Mr Ioulianou explained: “Those who prepare for pooling quickly will gain a strategic edge, by gaining access to surplus carbon credits at lower prices, securing availability ahead of a limited supply, and avoiding the year-end market volatility that could drive up costs and complicate operations. Those who leave it to the last minute could find their options severely limited”.

He also warns shipowners to choose their pooling options and partners carefully:

“I would recommend shipowners seek out providers who can provide a full turnkey solution so they have peace of mind that their pooling strategy is verifiable, efficient, and meets all legal requirements. At Columbia, we provide a full-service compliance model via EmissionLink. Our pooling framework is structured, contractually sound, and backed by real operational oversight.

Shipowners who use our service don’t just gain access to credits; they also gain an advantage by securing opportunities early.

Despite best efforts, the regulatory landscape remains a challenge. The industry is calling for clearer, more unified instructions that reconcile overlapping frameworks like ETS, FuelEU Maritime, MRV, and CII.

Mr Ioulianou urges shipowners to not wait for further clarity from regulations: “The tools, credits, and frameworks for compliance are already available, if accessed early. Our solution proves that a proactive, well-supported approach not only simplifies the burden of compliance, but enables shipowners to manage risk, control costs, and navigate the evolving regulatory terrain with confidence and clarity moving forward.”