EU ETS shipping cost calculator.

Since 1 January 2024, cargo and passenger ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above are covered for emissions on voyages to, from and between EU and EEA ports, and while at berth in those ports. Offshore ships of 5,000 GT and above are due to be added from 2027. Since 2025, general cargo and offshore ships of 400 to 5,000 GT have been subject to monitoring and reporting only; other ships below 5,000 GT are currently outside the scheme. Ice-class ships benefit from a temporary reduction until 2030.

Each tonne of fuel is multiplied by its CO₂ emission factor, for example about 3.114 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of heavy fuel oil and 3.206 per tonne of marine gas oil. These are the IMO factors also used for EU monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV).

All emissions on voyages between two EU/EEA ports, and at berth in EU/EEA ports, are covered. Only half of the emissions on voyages between an EU/EEA port and a port outside the EU/EEA are covered. Special rules apply to some outermost regions, small islands and transhipment ports.

Shipping companies surrender allowances for 40% of their verified 2024 emissions, 70% of 2025 emissions and 100% of emissions from 2026 onwards. Allowances are surrendered by 30 September of the following year.

The shipping company responsible under the EU ETS is usually the registered owner or the ISM manager, but the commercial operator often controls fuel and routing. Many time charters now include an ETS clause, such as BIMCO’s 2022 clause, requiring charterers to transfer allowances or pay for emissions during the charter period. The Directive also requires EU member states to ensure the shipping company can be reimbursed by the entity responsible for buying fuel or operating the ship.

Yes. The UK ETS has applied to ships of 5,000 GT and above since 1 July 2026, covering domestic UK voyages and emissions in UK ports, including methane and nitrous oxide, with offshore ships added from 2027. Allowances are surrendered by 30 April. International voyages to and from the UK are not currently covered, although partial coverage has been proposed from 2028. This calculator covers the EU ETS only, so make sure charter ETS clauses deal with both schemes.

Owners’ statements may use verified MRV data, different consumption figures, a different EUA price or date, or include methane and nitrous oxide from 2026. Ask for the underlying noon reports, bunker figures and the price basis, and check them against the charter clause.