Since January 2024, ships calling at EU/EEA ports must surrender emission allowances for their CO₂ output. Here's what it means for your fleet and how to calculate your liability.
The EU Emissions Trading System was extended to maritime transport under Directive 2023/959. It covers CO₂ emissions from ships of 5,000 GT and above on voyages to, from, and within EU/EEA ports.
| Voyage Type | Scope | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Intra-EU | 100% of emissions covered | Rotterdam → Hamburg |
| EU ↔ Non-EU | 50% of emissions covered | Singapore → Rotterdam |
| Non-EU ↔ Non-EU | Not covered | Singapore → Fujairah |
| Year | % of Emissions to Surrender | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 40% | First year, reduced obligation |
| 2025 | 70% | Increasing obligation |
| 2026+ | 100% | Full obligation |
Fuel consumed (MT) × emission factor = CO₂ tonnes. VLSFO factor: 3.151 t-CO₂/t-fuel.
Intra-EU: 100%. EU ↔ non-EU: 50%. Non-EU: 0%.
2024: ×40%. 2025: ×70%. 2026+: ×100%.
Current EUA price (€65-85/tonne) × covered emissions = your liability.
Every voyage is automatically classified (intra-EU, EU ↔ non-EU, non-EU) and emissions calculated. Your fleet manager sees the EU ETS cost per voyage before it even begins.
Based on fleet trading patterns, TRIVOYA projects your annual EU ETS liability — allowing budget planning and charter rate adjustments to recover costs.
Voyage planning shows the fuel savings and ETS cost reduction from speed adjustments. A 0.5 knot reduction often saves more in ETS costs than it costs in extra charter days.
Quarterly reports include total EU ETS liability alongside fuel costs, quality scores, and compliance status — giving a complete financial picture of fleet operations.
The regulation holds the “shipping company” (the ISM Document of Compliance holder) responsible. In practice, charter parties increasingly include ETS cost-sharing clauses. Time charter: usually charterer pays (they control speed and route). Voyage charter: usually owner pays (included in freight rate). This is rapidly evolving — always check your CP terms.
No. The UK has its own UK ETS which is separate from the EU ETS. However, the UK ETS included maritime shipping from January 2026. Ships trading between EU and UK ports may face obligations under both systems. TRIVOYA tracks both EU and UK ETS exposure.
Three main strategies: (1) Speed optimization — lower fuel consumption means lower CO&sub2; and lower ETS cost. (2) Route optimization — minimizing the EU-leg of voyages (where commercially feasible). (3) Alternative fuels — LNG, methanol, and biofuels have lower emission factors, reducing EUA requirements. TRIVOYA’s voyage planning calculates the ETS cost impact of each option.
Shipping companies must surrender EUAs by September 30 of the year following the reporting period. For 2025 emissions, EUAs must be surrendered by September 30, 2026. MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) reports must be submitted by March 31. Failure to surrender results in penalties of €100 per tonne CO&sub2; plus the obligation to still surrender the allowances.
30-day free pilot. We onboard your fleet, import your data, and deliver your first intelligence report.
Schedule a Demo →