OPX (2025) €196.00 $227.45 -6% 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

Container ship docked at a busy port terminal with cranes and stacked containers used for cargo loading and unloading.
data technologyEU ETSEUAsmaritime datamaritime operationssupply chain
5 min read

ETS data tracking and transparency key to managing compliance risk as EU ETS deadline looms, says OceanScore

OceanScore helps shipping companies navigate EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime compliance with real-time exposure tracking, automated compliance management, and ERP-based…

OceanScore
Close-up of a gloved hand using a measuring dipstick to check fuel level in a red container, illustrating fuel selection and bunker management.
biofuelsFuelEUfueleu maritime regulationmaritime datashipping companies
5 min read

Decoding alternative fuels: OceanScore supports tricky bunker selection process under FuelEU Maritime

OceanScore’s FuelEU Planner helps shipping companies navigate fuel selection, compliance costs, and market dynamics to meet FuelEU Maritime regulations with…

OceanScore
Newsletter banner for OceanScores April 2026 Pool-Price Index Market Commentary, featuring an aerial view of a large container ship moving through the ocean.
FuelEUFuelEU PoolingOPX
2 min read

OceanScore Pool-Price Index Market Commentary: April 2026

OPX declined further to €196 per tCO₂e in April, reaching a multi-month low. Continued surplus oversupply and the approaching pooling…

Albrecht Grell
A large cargo ship loaded with colorful shipping containers is docked at a busy port, with cranes, trucks, and bright blue sky in the background.
Environmental Ship IndexESI
8 min read

Environmental Ship Index (ESI): The Complete Guide for Shipping Companies and Ports

The Environmental Ship Index (ESI) is the world’s leading port incentive scheme, rewarding ships performing beyond emission standards with port…

Damla Hasenclever
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
4 min read

Maritime Compliance in 2026: What Commercial and Technical Teams Need to Prepare For

2026 will be a decisive year for maritime compliance. As FuelEU Maritime completes its first compliance cycle, EU ETS reaches…

OceanScore
Ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of OceanScore’s Singapore office, with three representatives standing in front of a display welcoming visitors to the new location.
asian shipping emissionsets managerEU ETSfueleu maritime regulationSingapore
5 min read

OceanScore opens new Singapore office for Asia Pacific expansion amid rising demand for compliance solutions

OceanScore opens a new office in Singapore to support rising demand for its digital solutions, helping shipping companies comply with…

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
Asian shipping companies confront rising EU ETS costs, with major impacts on compliance and emissions trading.
Asiaemissions trading systemeu emissioneu emissions tradingshipping companiestrading system eu
5 min read

Asian shipowners face hefty emissions liabilities of €1bn for EU-bound voyages

Asian shipowners with vessels sailing to and from Europe are likely to face estimated emissions liabilities of over €1 billion…

OceanScore
port emissions monitoringportview
7 min read

Port Emissions Monitoring: How Ports Measure, Understand and Reduce Vessel Emissions

This guide explains port emissions monitoring, how vessel emissions in ports are measured, and how ports can use emissions data…

Damla Hasenclever
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