Maritime transport is included in the European emissions trading system (EU ETS) from 2024 onwards. Rules are laid out in the EU ETS directive. This means that shipping companies have to monitor and report their greenhouse gas emissions and surrender emission allowances accordingly. Ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above are included for their voyages to, from and between ports in the European Economic Area (EEA) ports. Monitoring and reporting of CO2 emissions is already an obligation since 2018.
The inclusion of maritime transport in the EU ETS is part of a package of climate legislation (Fit for 55). This package aims to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by 55% in 2030 compared to 1990.
