European competitiveness: how banking regulation affects shipping
10 juli 2026
"Simpler, smarter rules would enable banks to invest more: in ships, in the energy transition, in Europe."
Europe has ample capital available for investment. Yet part of it remains unused. This is partly due to regulations that require banks to be cautious in extending credit. While that caution supports financial stability, in practice it can also slow down investment. Wijnand Tutuarima, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of shipping company Anthony Veder, explains what current regulation means for the maritime sector.
Billions of euros unused
European banks are estimated to hold €225 billion in capital and €250 billion in liquidity above minimum requirements (source: Association for Financial Markets in Europe). These are funds needed for investment in growth, innovation and resilience.
At the same time, Europe faces an additional annual investment need of €1.4 trillion, according to a recent report by Oliver Wyman from June 2026, commissioned by the European Banking Federation. Current regulation, however, limits how banks can deploy this potential for new financing.
The European Commission recognises this issue and has launched a consultation on the competitiveness of the banking sector. In that context, the Dutch Banking Association (NVB) advocates modernisation, simplification and harmonisation of regulation, aiming for rules that safeguard stability while allowing room for investment.
Shipping: the productive asset with no recognised collateral value
Shipping is a cornerstone of the global economy. Ninety per cent of all goods people use have at some point been transported by sea. The Netherlands has long been a key player in this sector. Yet the financing of shipping is being made unnecessarily difficult.
When a European bank finances a ship, it must determine how much of its own capital to hold in case a shipping company runs into financial difficulties. In principle, the value of the ship should be taken into account. In practice, however, European regulation has become so complex that banks must largely disregard the residual value of ships. In effect, regulation treats a ship as having little to no value.
A mortgage analogy illustrates this clearly: a mortgage is cheaper than a personal loan because the house serves as collateral. If a bank were required to treat the house as worthless, interest rates would rise to the level of consumer credit, making financing unaffordable for many. The same principle applies to ships.
Impact on companies
Companies experience that financing is becoming more expensive. This also applies to shipping companies.
“Banks previously used internal models based on historical data on risks and losses,” says Tutuarima. “Due to European regulation, banks now apply a standardised approach. This results in higher loan costs, making financing more expensive.”
Sustainability criteria also play an increasing role. Many banks assess maritime clients on emission reduction. However, current methodologies insufficiently take into account ships operating short distances or transporting refrigerated cargo. Anthony Veder transports liquefied gas at extremely low temperatures, which makes these operations energy intensive.
“We are investing heavily in sustainability and see ourselves as part of the energy transition, but at present the rules are counterproductive. It feels as though we are being penalised for it,” Tutuarima adds.
Wijnand Tutuarima
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Anthony Veder
Alternatives outside Europe
When financing in Europe becomes relatively expensive, companies increasingly look for alternatives outside the EU. Tutuarima notes:
“Shipping is a highly competitive sector involving substantial capital. Financing costs are a major expense. If European banks are more expensive, you look for alternatives — for example, financing structures involving non-European leasing companies.”
He adds:
“Especially in times of geopolitical uncertainty — with vulnerable supply routes and growing dependencies — it is crucial that the financing of shipping largely remains in European hands.”
Multiple sectors affected
The examples from shipping are not isolated cases. Dutch mortgages are classified as riskier under European standards than historical losses justify, which could affect homebuyers. Companies without an external credit rating — from innovative SMEs to family-owned businesses — will automatically be assigned higher risk weights if no action is taken, regardless of their actual financial position. Major infrastructure projects, such as wind farms or green bunkering ports, are also delayed by complex regulation.
“I understand why regulation was tightened after the 2008 financial crisis,” says Tutuarima. “But we have gone too far. Simpler, smarter rules would allow banks to invest more — in ships, in the energy transition, in Europe.”
A European opportunity
The Dutch Banking Association (NVB) recognises the importance of clear and robust rules for a stable financial system. At the same time, regulation must evolve with the economy and work effectively in practice.
That is why the NVB calls for four concrete adjustments: make it easier to recognise the value of ships; ensure an appropriate risk weighting for mortgages; solve the issue of corporates without a credit rating; harmonise rules across EU Member States to create a level playing field. By carefully improving regulation, capital can remain available where it is needed. Investment in growth, sustainability and resilience is essential for Europe’s strength — for both the economy and society. Banks, governments and businesses each have a role to play in this.
