Impact of environmental regulations on maritime trade

Master Thesis
Author
Kosenakis, Loukas
Κοσενάκης, Λουκάς
Date
2025-10Advisor
Polemis, DionisiosΠολέμης, Διονύσιος
View/ Open
Keywords
Environmental regulations ; Maritime trade ; Economic impact ; SustainabilityAbstract
The marine industry is at a turning point. It is being pushed to meet global environmental standards on one hand, but it also needs to make revenue on the other. This thesis analyzes the changing environmental landscape and the growing influence of environmental regulation on the marine sector, concentrating on three key regions: China, Europe, and the United States. The research examines the effects of major international regulations, such as MARPOL, the Ballast Water Management Convention, the Hong Kong Convention, and the EU Emissions Trading System, on operational expenses, strategic planning, and regional competitiveness. The dissertation examines the complex interconnections between regulatory compliance and commercial performance, grounded in policy analysis, empirical research, and economic data studies. Environmental initiatives have led to new ideas and made the sector more sustainable overall. However, they have also caused big economic and logistical problems, especially in developing markets and important trade routes with a lot of traffic.


