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

4 min read

UK ETS Maritime 2026: Scope, Timeline and Compliance Checklist for Shipping Companies

The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) expands to maritime from 1 July 2026. This guide explains what is covered,…

OceanScore
Newsletter banner for OceanScores January 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: January 2026

FuelEU pooling prices declined in January 2026 as surplus volumes increased following completion of the first compliance period. OceanScore’s OPX…

Albrecht Grell
compliance manageretsFuelEU
2 min read

Compliance Manager 2.4: Advancing Maritime Compliance with Speed and Precision

Nearly 1.000 vessels are already using OceanScore’s Compliance Manager to manage their FuelEU Maritime processes and to secure the needed…

OceanScore
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
ESI
3 min read

What Is the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) and How Does It Work?

How can environmental performance translate into commercial value? The Environmental Ship Index (ESI) provides a harmonised framework that allows ports…

Damla Hasenclever
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
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
The EU ETS poses a costs management challenge for shipping companies, according to OceanScore co-Managing Director Albrecht Grell.
emissions trading system euEU ETSeu ets managementfinancial blancingshipping companies
6 min read

Shipping companies must manage financial balancing act on EU ETS tightrope, says OceanScore

Shipping companies face rising costs and risks from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) in 2026, with higher carbon…

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
carbon pricecost effectiveemission reductionsemissions trading system eueu emissions trading systemeuropean unionshipping companies
1 min read

Tackle EU ETS Carbon Market with Confidence

As 2024 draws to a close, it marks a pivotal year for the EU ETS Carbon Market, especially with 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