EU: Emissions Trading System (ETS) includes maritime emissions, phased in through 2027
ETS rules thus now apply to all vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage that call at EEA ports
The EU emissions trading system (ETS)—a “cap-and-trade” system that sets a ceiling for total emissions and assigns a price to them—was updated to include maritime emissions starting in 2024, with a gradual phase-in of the requirements through 2027.
The ETS rules thus now apply to all vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage that call at European Economic Area (EEA) ports. Emissions from voyages within the EEA, as well as parts of voyages to and from third countries, are covered.
Read an April 2026 report prepared by the KPMG member firm in Norway