2026 opens in a political, economic, and regulatory environment even more complex than the past year.
Since the war launched in 2022 by Vladimir Putin in Ukraine, power struggles have continued to intensify. Donald Trump’s accession to power in 2025 has further amplified this instability, with global repercussions. The year was marked by an explosion in customs duties, a revival of U.S. protectionism, and, above all, toward the end of the year, the decisive influence of the U.S. administration, which led to the postponement of the vote on the International Maritime Organization’s Net Zero Framework and the withdrawal of the IPCC at the start of this year. The global agreement on shipping decarbonization is taking on water under the weight of internal divisions within the IMO, particularly between oil-producing countries and consuming countries.
Nevertheless, the European Union’s climate policy continues on its course. Since 1 January 2026, the emissions trading system established by Brussels has been fully operational for maritime transport. This milestone marks the end of the phased implementation introduced in 2024. Shipowners must now cover 100% of their CO₂ emissions for any voyage involving at least one European port.
As a knock-on effect, shipping companies and their customers are facing a significant increase in carbon-related costs. The brief era of a naïve consensus around “happy” decarbonization seems to be behind us. Europe remains one of the only markets in the world to impose a zero-emissions framework on maritime transport, creating a major competitive distortion to the detriment of European shipping companies.
In this context, Marfret continues its efforts to move forward on the path toward realistic and economically viable decarbonization. We are convinced that thermal propulsion remains fully relevant and has not yet exhausted its potential. There is still considerable room for improvement in energy efficiency, thanks to ongoing advances in engine technology, hull design, paint coatings, route optimization, and wind-assisted propulsion. These innovations make it possible to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption while avoiding an abrupt technological break. It is important to recall that, per ton transported, maritime transport remains by far the most energy-efficient and lowest-emitting mode of transport – a reality far too often overlooked in political decision-making.
Marfret remains committed to its course as an independent, family-owned, human-scale company, particularly engaged in the development of regional maritime transport serving the Mediterranean and our overseas territories in the Atlantic and the Pacific. Our strong presence in the territories we serve and our proximity in these markets are highly valued by our customers, with whom we cultivate long-term, direct, and human relationships
As in 2025, our teams will continue to sail the seas and attend trade fairs to meet your expectations. At the start of 2026, we extend our most sincere wishes to our customers, partners, agents, suppliers, and employees.
May this new year be marked by trust, action, and collective success. We will continue to develop our existing activities, launch new projects, and build new ventures with the determination to remain your trusted companion on the journey.
Guillaume Vidil