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EU ETS : Cost-Efficient Support for Shipping

The EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) introduces strict compliance obligations for the maritime sector from 2024 onward. All stakeholders in the shipping supply chain - from doc holder to cargo owner - must understand how allowances work, how to calculate their liability, and how to prepare a cost‑efficient compliance strategy.

Plan a Cost‑Effective EU ETS Strategy Today

Ensure full regulatory compliance while optimising your cost exposure. Dan‑Bunkering can help you develop and execute an efficient, data‑driven EU ETS compliance plan.

 

 

 

 

The EU ETS is more than just another regulation – it's a fundamental shift in how we approach decarbonisation in the maritime industry. It's about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting and supporting new technologies and alternative fuels, and ultimately, safeguarding our planet for future generations.

Early preparation is the best course of action. Avoid unnecessary unforeseen costs by factoring compliance in from the moment you enter a charter party or commit to offshore construction. 

 

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EU Emission Allowances

EU Allowances (EUAs) represent a form of carbon permission granted to companies participating in the EU ETS, permitting them to release a specific quantity of green house gas emissions. These EUAs can be traded in the marketplace, and their fluctuating market value mirrors the expense associated with emission reduction.

 

Navigating EU Allowances Procurement

What are the most important factors to consider when it comes to purchasing EU Allowances?  
 
Check out this short clip from our latest webinar, where Hans Dollerup shows different scenarios and strategies that owners have to take into consideration when purchasing EU Allowances.  
 
Discover how our fuel suppliers can help you navigate the complicated field of EU ETS and its impact on your business. 

 

 

Q&As from our webinars

What is the name of the document that contains the registry information for companies?

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This document is called EU ETS - Registry Guidance and it is available to download. 

Download the Registry Guidance

Should one consider looking into alterntive fuels in order to minimize the ETS costs?

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It should be considered! From the beginning of 2026, the EU ETS is 100% phased in for maritime. Nitrous Oxide and Methane are also now in scope. This means that an increase of approximately 44% in costs for EUAs compared to 2025 (assuming the price of allowances remains at 2025 levels).  ETS is not the only EU regulation to consider. From 2025, FuelEU Maritime requires you to lower the GHG intensity in your fuel mix. Biofuel for instance is a "plug 'n play" compliance solution.
If you would like to compare compliance costs, reach out to our New Fuels team to access our decision tool.  

Reach out to our New Fuels team and learn more

How do I register an EU account if I am a ship owner registered outside the EU? What's the step by step process?

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In the case of a shipping company that is not registered in an EU Member State, it will be the EU Member State with the greatest estimated number of port calls from voyages performed by that shipping company in the last four monitoring years.
 
In the case of a shipping company that is not registered in an EU Member State and that did not carry out any voyage falling within the scope of the EU ETS Directive in the preceding four monitoring years, the administering authority will be the EU Member State where a ship of the shipping company has arrived or started its first voyage falling within the scope of the EU ETS Directive.
 
The concrete action also depends on whether you are the doc holder  or you require mandate from the doc holder.
 

How to purchase EU Allowances

How can a non-EU DOC holder open a trading account in EU? What is the procedure?

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The process for opening a trading account is online and open to non-EU citizens, subject to conditions spelt out by each EU Member State (through their National Administrator). Users must first open an account in the Union Registry to be able to trade EU allowances.
Each Member State has individual requirements. So, in short, it needs to be checked with the administrating authority in the Member State in question.
Each Member State has individual requirements. So, in short, it needs to be checked with the administrating authority in the Member State in question.

Download the Registry Guidance

Does the EU ETS only apply to companies registered in the EU?

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The ETS regulation is flag neutral meaning that it applies to all vessels regardless of the flag they fly. Meanwhile the geographic scope is as follows: 100% of all voyages intra EU and 50% of in and outbound voyages to third countries.

What if I discharge 90% of my cargo outside of EU (within 300nm of EU) then remaining 10% inside EU. What amount is applicable?

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It has nothing to do with how much cargo you transport, load or discharge. If you discharge in a port in a non-EU country that fulfills the requirements (300 NM and at least 65 % of container activity) then it will not count as a port call.

If we do an STS in EU waters but OPL a port, are we liable?

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As of now STS operations are exempted ie. it will not count as a port call and thereby not be covered by ETS. The EU Commission will monitor this and its case in turns that this is used as a loophole ´resulting in major evasion, then the regulation is likely to be changed.

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