EU ETS: New Rules Taking Effect from January 2026 — What Shipping Needs to Know
Starting 1 January 2026, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) enters a new, full-implementation phase for maritime transport — with important implications for emissions reporting, voyage planning, and operational cost exposure.
Here’s how things are changing:
1. Full Coverage of Maritime Emissions
From 2026, shipping companies will be responsible for 100% of verified emissions on voyages between, to, and from EU ports — up from a phased-in percentage over previous years (40% in 2024, 70% in 2025).
2. Non-CO₂ Gases Now Included
Beyond CO₂, the EU ETS will now also include methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from maritime transport — expanding the scope and tightening compliance expectations.
3. Compliance Costs Increase
With full implementation, maritime operators will need to surrender allowances equal to 100% of their emissions — meaning higher compliance costs and closer integration of carbon pricing into voyage expenses.
4. Broader Regulatory Impact
This regulatory shift is part of the EU’s broader push to align shipping with climate goals — tightening caps, expanding greenhouse gas coverage, and increasing auction volumes, including allowances tied to non-CO₂ emissions.
Prime Navigation Shipping & Services (PNS) supports clients with:
— helping transform EU ETS from a regulatory burden into a manageable operational factor.
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