ECONOMIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DIMENSIONS OF TAXATION IN THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY AND THEIR IMPACT ON INVESTMENTS

The main trends in the development of taxation in the shipping industry have been identified, including the widespread adoption of tonnage tax regimes as a compromise between fiscal interests and business needs; the growing significance of environmental tax incentives (such as reduced rates for the use of LNG, biofuels, and electric vessels); the harmonization of tax policies within the framework of global OECD and EU initiatives; and the decline in the use of convenient flags due to strengthened international oversight and transparency requirements.It has been shown that the level of taxation is a key factor determining the volume of investments in the shipping sector and the pace of fleet modernization.State tax policy can either hinder the sustainable development of the maritime sector or serve as a catalyst for its renewal and increased competitiveness.For Ukraine, under conditions of war and maritime blockade, the modernization of the Ukrainian fleet is critical for integration into the European transport space; a high level of tax burden may deter investors and limit opportunities for vessel renewal; the introduction of a tonnage tax or special investment incentives could create conditions for the restoration of the shipping industry and the return of cargo flows to Ukrainian ports.It has been demonstrated that the tax behavior of shipping companies cannot be explained solely through economic models.It results from a synergy of economic incentives and psychological factors, including profit-seeking, risk avoidance, and the formation of trust and reputation.The tax behavior of shipping companies is influenced 9(63) 2025 677 by psychological factors such as risk perception, trust in the system, cognitive biases, and corporate culture.Effective tax policy in the shipping industry must take behavioral aspects into account, creating incentives that are not only economic but also psychological in nature -such as transparency, predictability, and reputational benefits.Psychological and behavioral aspects of tax-related decision-making in shipping companies include: the psychology of tax avoidance, balancing risk and fear of sanctions; the role of trust in tax systems in choosing a vessel's country of registration; cognitive biases in tax planning; and the influence of corporate culture and personal beliefs of managers.