Conflict and regulation compound pressure on ship maintenance and investment decisions

Escalating conflict in the Middle East and tightening decarbonisation regulations are combining to increase pressure on ship maintenance planning and investment decisions across the global fleet, according to Condition Monitoring Technologies (CMT), a ship service firm.
The company said disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, alongside restricted air routes across Russia, Ukraine and parts of the Middle East, is increasing the cost and complexity of deploying service engineers and delivering equipment. Joint managing director David Fuhlbrügge said: “It’s a double-barrelled hit. The Hormuz chokepoint combined with aviation routes restricted or closed across Russia, Ukraine, and much of the Middle East, is significantly increasing the time and costs getting service agents and equipment to global fleets.”
He added that the impact now extends beyond fuel prices. “This is no longer just an energy crisis. What we are seeing is a multi-layered disruption affecting ships outside the war zone. Ships in Europe, Asia and the Americas will struggle to maintain and service equipment and get supplies in time.”
At the same time, a Wärtsilä survey found nearly 70% of maritime executives say uncertainty is hindering investment decisions as emissions regulations translate into direct costs. President Roger Holm said: “Maritime leaders remain confident in their ability to adapt to the energy transition, but the decisions they face are becoming more complex. With tighter regulation and evolving fuel choices reshaping investment decisions, shipowners and operators cannot wait.”