MARITIME TRANSPORT: ETS, THE 70% THRESHOLD IS CROSSED

September 30, 2026 | Theme: Regulation

Nearly three years after the entry into force of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) for maritime transport, the regulation moves to a new stage. In 2026, shipowners must surrender allowances for 70% of their emissions. In 2027, this will rise to 100%.

WHAT CHANGES IN 2026 AND 2027

2026 is the year of the 70% threshold. Indeed, before 30 September 2026, shipping companies must surrender allowances covering 70% of verified 2025 emissions, against 40% last year for 2024 emissions. Note that the scope of emissions taken into account in the calculation is widening: since 1 January 2026, the ETS no longer covers only CO2, but also methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), expressed in CO2 equivalent.

The year 2027 will mark full application at 100%. Shipowners will then have to surrender allowances for the totality of their 2026 emissions, then for all of their declared emissions each following year.

SCOPE AND CALCULATION:

The rules of geographic application remain unchanged. The system covers 100% of the emissions of intra-EU journeys and of ships at berth in European ports, and 50% of the emissions of journeys connecting a European port to a third-country port. It targets ships of gross tonnage above 5,000 GT, for the transport of goods as well as passengers.

Note that the additional allowances are passed on via ETS / carbon surcharges integrated into freight rates, for spot contracts as well as long-term contracts. Their amount varies according to the lines and the equipment, and they are reassessed regularly, each month or each quarter depending on the services.

WHY THIS MEASURE?

The maritime ETS is part of the European Green Deal and its “Fit for 55” package. This framework sets two milestones: a 55% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (compared with 1990) and carbon neutrality in 2050.

The mechanism is based on the principle that the more a ship emits, the more allowances it buys. This encourages shipowners to optimize routes, to modernize fleets, and to adopt decarbonized fuels such as LNG, e-methanol, or biofuels.

With the move to 100% of emissions in 2027, ETS surcharges are settling durably into the cost of maritime transport. Our teams remain at your disposal to analyze their impact on your flows and to support you in all your international projects.