Briefing

Shipping at risk in the Strait of Hormuz

March 27, 2026

The current crisis is costing shipping millions per day, highlighting why we must accelerate the sector’s decarbonisation

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The Hormuz Strait crisis is costing the shipping industry €340 million a day,  demonstrating the industry's vulnerability to oil and gas price volatility.

Green measures would reduce the shipping industry’s exposure to fuel price shocks in future. 

T&E makes the following recommendations for European policymakers to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient maritime industry:

  • Make all reasonable efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels: Electrification and efficiency measures offer immediate cost savings and long-term protection against geopolitical shocks.

  • Support the deployment and uptake of e-fuels in shipping: Only green e-fuels can be scaled sustainably in Europe, and strengthen European shipping’s sovereignty and resilience. Accelerating their deployment and uptake should be the top priority.

  • Leverage ETS for shipping to drive decarbonisation investments: The Emission Trading System (ETS) is an essential tool to reach EU climate targets and internalise the costs of emitting GHGs. It should be maintained and strengthened to ensure a carbon price that shifts investment away from fossil fuels, unlocks long-term industrial investment and reduces exposure to supply disruptions. The ETS generates significant revenues, a share of which should be used to support the production of e-fuels in the EU.