European Union Regulation - Active Since 2024

EU ETS for
Maritime Shipping

Every ton of CO2 now has a direct cost. The EU Emissions Trading System charges ~90 per tonne for shipping emissions. Optimize your voyages to reduce your carbon bill.

2024
40%
Coverage
2025
70%
Coverage
2027+
100%
Full Coverage
~90
Per Tonne CO2
$1.4M
Container/Year 2026
$1.1M
Tanker/Year 2026
15%+
Potential Savings

What is the EU ETS?

The world's largest carbon market now includes shipping

The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is a cap-and-trade system that puts a price on carbon emissions. Starting January 2024, maritime shipping is included for:

Intra-EU Voyages
100% of emissions from voyages between EU ports
Extra-EU Voyages
50% of emissions from voyages to/from EU ports
At Berth Emissions
100% of emissions while at berth in EU ports
Applies to ships 5,000+ GT
Most commercial vessels are covered. Smaller ships may be included in future expansions.

How Costs Are Calculated

Step 1: Measure Emissions
Total CO2 from fuel consumed (MRV data)
Step 2: Apply Coverage
40% (2024) / 70% (2025) / 100% (2027)
Step 3: Purchase Allowances
Buy EUAs at ~90/tonne CO2
Example: 10,000 tonnes CO2
900,000 in 2027
(at 90/tonne, 100% coverage)

Phase-In Schedule

Your carbon costs increase each year through 2027

2024
40%
of emissions covered
Phase-in begins
2025
70%
of emissions covered
+75% vs 2024
2026
100%
of emissions covered
Full coverage year 1
2027+
100%
+ methane/N2O
Scope expansion

Annual Cost Projections by Vessel Type

Container Vessel

8,000 TEU average

2024 (40%) ~$524K
2025 (70%) ~$917K
2026 (100%) ~$1.4M

Tanker

Aframax average

2024 (40%) ~$400K
2025 (70%) ~$700K
2026 (100%) ~$1.1M

Based on average EU voyage patterns and ~90/tonne EUA price. Actual costs vary by route and operations.

Compliance Requirements

What you need to do to stay compliant

Monitor & Report

Track and report CO2 emissions through the EU MRV system. Data must be verified annually.

  • Fuel consumption monitoring
  • Voyage data collection
  • Third-party verification

Purchase Allowances

Buy EU Allowances (EUAs) to cover your emissions. Can be purchased at auction or secondary market.

  • 1 EUA = 1 tonne CO2
  • Current price ~90
  • Surrender by April 30 annually

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply results in significant penalties and operational restrictions.

  • 100/tonne penalty + purchase
  • Expulsion order after 2 years
  • Denied entry to EU ports

Reduce Your EU ETS Costs

Every ton of CO2 saved is ~90 in your pocket

Speed Optimization

10% speed reduction = ~27% fuel savings. Know your berth time to optimize voyage speed.

Eliminate Waiting Time

Ships at anchor still burn fuel. JIT arrival means zero emissions from waiting.

Voyage Planning

Know congestion levels before departure. Plan routes to minimize EU port waiting.

EU ETS Savings Example

Traditional Voyage
Voyage emissions 2,500 tonnes CO2
Waiting at anchor +150 tonnes CO2
EU ETS Cost 238,500
Optimized with Atracai
Voyage emissions 2,000 tonnes CO2
Waiting at anchor 0 tonnes CO2
EU ETS Cost 180,000
58,500 Saved
Per voyage to EU ports

Key Compliance Dates

Mark your calendar

Jan 1
2024

Maritime ETS Begins

40% of shipping emissions now covered. Monitoring requirements active.

Apr 30
2025

First Surrender Deadline

First allowances must be surrendered for 2024 emissions.

Jan 1
2025

70% Coverage

Coverage increases to 70% of emissions. Costs rise significantly.

Jan 1
2027

100% Coverage + GHG Expansion

Full coverage. Methane and N2O emissions also included.

Start Reducing Your Carbon Costs

AI-powered voyage optimization to minimize EU ETS expenses.