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."

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

For more information or to request a demo, visit https://emissionlink.com

About EmissionLink

EmissionLink is a full-service compliance solution developed by shipowners, for shipowners. Backed by the operational strength and regulatory expertise of the Columbia Group, EmissionLink is not just another digital tool or marketplace. It is a structured platform combining verified surplus credit access, governed pooling frameworks, real-time emissions tracking, and tailored compliance support.

About Columbia Group:

For over 45 years, the Columbia Group has provided world-class ship management and crew management services to the global shipping industry. A global presence with more than 40 management and representative offices, crew agencies and training centres worldwide connects Columbia to its 20,000 employees on land and sea.

Moreover, the Group offers a fully transparent and integrated maritime services, energy, leisure and logistics platform, cooperating closely with its global partners to drive bottom line value and leverage economies of scale. Columbia's services are cost-efficient and fully optimised to the individual client's business scenario, resulting in the delivery of top-quality customisable and modular maritime solutions.

Find out more: https://columbiagroup.org/

For more information please contact:

Lisa Jacobs/ Sean Harris Elaborate Communications +44 (0)1296 682104