Avin International, a Greek oil and chemical tanker operator, has joined Ahti Pool, strengthening its compliance strategy under the European Union's FuelEU Maritime regulation as emissions rules tighten for shipping from 2025.

The move brings a fleet of about 35 tankers, representing more than 2.5 million tonnes of carrying capacity, into one of the largest commercial pooling structures designed specifically to manage FuelEU Maritime exposure. The agreement was announced in Helsinki and takes effect immediately, according to the companies.

Market and operational impact

FuelEU Maritime sets progressively stricter limits on the greenhouse gas intensity of energy used on board vessels trading in the European Union. Operators that fail to meet annual targets face penalties, while those with surplus compliance can transfer or pool it with others.

By joining Ahti Pool, Avin adds its fleet to a compliance structure that already manages more than €100 million in emissions exposure for shipowners and operators across multiple segments, including tankers, ro-ro vessels, and cargo ships. Pool members include Van Weelde Group, Bore, Spliethoff, Stenersen, and Neste.

For tanker operators, the regulation has direct commercial implications. Voyages into and out of EU ports account for a significant share of earnings, while fuel choices, operational speed, and charterparty terms increasingly affect compliance costs. Pooling allows operators with different trading patterns and technical profiles to balance deficits and surpluses, reducing volatility and lowering overall cost of compliance.

Avin said the pooling arrangement complements its own decarbonisation investments rather than replacing them. The company operates a modern fleet and has built what it describes as the world’s first ammonia-ready Suezmax tanker, positioning itself for alternative fuels as they become commercially viable.

Stakeholder reactions and next steps

Captain Pavlos Xagoraris, chief executive of Avin International, said the decision supports the company’s long-term energy transition plans.

“Joining Ahti Pool is a strategic step that strengthens our decarbonisation agenda and supports the next phase of our energy-transition journey,” Xagoraris said. “The Pool complements our own initiatives with a structured, market-aligned mechanism for managing FuelEU Maritime requirements across the fleet.”

From the pool operator’s perspective, the addition of a large tanker fleet increases scale and diversification, which are critical to optimising compliance across different vessel types and trading profiles.

Risto Juhani Kariranta, chief executive of Ahti Pool, said Avin’s entry would strengthen the pool’s ability to manage compliance efficiently. “Avin’s strong track record, investment in future-ready tonnage, and commitment to operational excellence make them an ideal partner,” he said.

Ahti Climate, the company behind the pool, said its tools are designed to reduce the overall cost of emissions compliance and to translate regulatory obligations into operational and commercial decisions for shipowners.

Wider context and industry outlook

FuelEU Maritime is one of several EU measures reshaping operational planning in shipping, alongside the inclusion of maritime transport in the EU Emissions Trading System. Together, they are accelerating demand for alternative fuels, energy-saving technologies, and contractual mechanisms that allocate emissions risk between owners and charterers.

For tanker operators in particular, the transition raises questions about fleet renewal, fuel availability, and competitiveness on EU-linked trades. Pooling arrangements such as Ahti Pool are emerging as a short- to medium-term bridge, allowing companies to manage compliance collectively while longer-term fuel solutions scale up.

As emissions targets tighten through 2030 and beyond, industry participants expect greater use of pooling, banking, and trading mechanisms, alongside continued investment in future-ready tonnage, to remain competitive in EU-related markets.

Source: Breakbulk News