OPX (2026) €225.00 $263,49 +15% to prev. month
EUA €68.86 $80.22 -0.86% to prev. day
EmissionsEU ETSEUAs
2 min read

Getting up to speed with the EU ETS: a guide to best practice

Implementation of the EU ETS for shipping from 1 January 2024 entails new regulatory complexity and financial risk with significant liabilities for the industry due to the requirement for shipping companies to purchase carbon credits to compensate for their annual emissions.    This presents a new set of challenges for shipping companies such as determining […]

OceanScore
Shipping companies face compliance challenges under the EU ETS, requiring carbon credit purchases, data verification, and cost allocation strategies. Learn how to navigate these complexities.

Implementation of the EU ETS for shipping from 1 January 2024 entails new regulatory complexity and financial risk with significant liabilities for the industry due to the requirement for shipping companies to purchase carbon credits to compensate for their annual emissions. 

 

This presents a new set of challenges for shipping companies such as determining who is responsible for compliance with the EU ETS, who should pay for emissions, what contractual obligations need to be in place, data-handling and verification procedures, how to procure carbon credits, what trading platform to use and how to allocate costs across the value chain. 

 

In order to navigate these myriad complexities, administrative systems need to be set up with digital automation of the various processes to effectively manage and mitigate the risks and ensure efficient compliance with the regulation, given non-compliance can incur heavy financial penalties or even an EU trading ban for an entire fleet. 

 

OceanScore has been supporting dozens of partners in efficiently managing compliance with this regulation and securing end-to-end transparency to limit the inherent risks. In this series of blogs, we share some of our insights for EU ETS best practice to clarify the steps required.  

While not definitive, as the diverse nature of shipping requires a tailored approach, it is intended as a useful guide to help companies define their EU ETS strategy and avoid some of the pitfalls on the difficult path to compliance. 

Related posts

EU ETSFuelEUFuelEU pooling marketplace
4 min read

Navigating EU Maritime Regulations: A Different Challenge for Commercial Pools, Operators and Charterers

As global trade grows and decarbonization pressures increase, the shipping industry is facing heightened scrutiny over its environmental impact. At…

OceanScore
Blog header image showing a computer monitor with data analytics charts and tables, alongside the title ‘Managing Data and finding the right digital solution’ on the OceanScore blog.
cap and trade systemcarbon energy demonstration projectsetsets managereu emissions trading systemEU ETSeuropean unionshipping companies
4 min read

Managing data and finding the right digital solution

The EU ETS necessitates that shipping companies implement a reliable EU ETS data management solution to handle complex administrative processes…

OceanScore
View of Big Ben and the Union Jack flag in London used as a blog image discussing the UK Emissions Trading Scheme and its role in maritime decarbonisation
emissions trading scheme ukgreenhouse gas emissions permitJanuary 2021participation in the euuk emissions trading schemeuk ets
9 min read

UK ETS Can Nudge Shipping Towards Decarbonisation, But Won’t Suffice on Its Own

EUAs can be purchased at a fixed price at auctions arranged during the year by the European Energy Exchange. They…

OceanScore
Shipping industry professionals discussing EUA procurement strategies and emissions cost management.
carbon dioxide equivalentEmissionsemissions trading system eueu emissionseu emissions trading systemEU ETSEUAsEuropean Union emissions tradingsecondary market
3 min read

EUA Trading Strategy for Shipping: How to Buy EU Allowances Efficiently

EUAs can be purchased at a fixed price at auctions arranged during the year by the European Energy Exchange. They…

OceanScore
Cargo ship navigating EU ETS compliance.
complex regulationseu allowance euaeu emissionsmonitoring planshipping companies
5 min read

OceanScore identifies EU ETS best practice to tackle ‘strategy gaps’ on compliance

Many shipping companies are still striving to define their strategy for EU ETS compliance some 80 days after implementation of…

OceanScore
FuelEUfueleu maritime regulationimointernational maritime organisationshipping challenges
2 min read

FuelEU Maritime: 4 Pressing Challenges Facing Shipping in 2025

FuelEU Charter Party impact shipping compliance costs. OceanScore’s FuelEU Planner helps with cost risks & pooling strategies with precision

OceanScore
Newsletter banner for OceanScores September 2025 Pool-Price Index Market Commentary, featuring an aerial view of a large container ship moving through the ocean.
FuelEUFuelEU Pooling
1 min read

OceanScore Pool-Price Index Market Commentary: September 2025

As global trade grows and decarbonization pressures increase, the shipping industry is facing heightened scrutiny over its environmental impact. At…

Albrecht Grell
Greek shipowners face EU ETS costs, stressing data and contract management.
EU ETSeu ets managementgreek shippingmaritime datamaritime operationssupply chain
4 min read

Greek shipping getting to grips with EU ETS compliance issues amid mounting emissions costs, says OceanScore

Greek shipowners are facing an estimated €335m bill under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) in 2024, potentially rising…

OceanScore
Three representatives posing with signed documents in front of a ClassNK backdrop during a collaboration announcement with OceanScore
class nkEU ETSFuelEUmaritime datamaritime operationsPartnershipsupply chain
2 min read

ClassNK and OceanScore ink collaboration for data-driven regulatory compliance

A collaboration agreement has been signed between a classification society ClassNK and a maritime data and technology firm OceanScore to…

OceanScore
EU ETS compliance: Setting up a Maritime Operator Holding Account (MOHA) and Union Registry trading account for shipping companies.
cap and trade systemEmissionseu emissionseu emissions trading systemEU ETSEUAsinnovation fundtrading period
3 min read

Setting up accounts for EUAs

Shipping companies operating under the EU ETS will be required to open a Maritime Operator Holding Account (MOHA) for the…

OceanScore
Turn obligation into opportunity

Turn obligation into opportunity

Explore our maritime emissions compliance solutions designed to meet evolving regulations like EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime.

our clients and partners