European Union & U.K. – Emission Trading Scheme
 "European Union & U.K. – Emission Trading Scheme")
European Union & U.K. – Emission Trading Scheme
The European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (U.K.) have now implemented a carbon tax on shipping, which came into effect 01 January 2024. As a result, shipping lines must now buy carbon emission allowances and have subsequently introduced a surcharge to cover these costs. The surcharge will be levied on all containers departing from, going to, or transiting the below listed countries:
Austria | Belgium | Bulgaria | Croatia | Cyprus | Czech Republic |
Denmark | Estonia | Finland | France | Germany | Greece |
Hungary | Iceland | Italy | Latvia | Liechtenstein | Lithuania |
Luxemburg | Malta | Netherlands | Norway | Poland | Portugal |
Romania | Slovakia | Slovenia | Spain | Sweden | Switzerland |
United Kingdom |
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Surcharges attached to the emissions trading scheme (ETS) will vary between shipping lines and their service i.e. Direct or Transhipment, however most carriers at this stage have implemented a surcharge between EUR30-60 per TEU.
This surcharge is subject to change as shipping lines are still trying to establish what the true cost and impact the scheme will have on their business and ongoing operations. It is important to note this surcharge will be implemented and scaled to increase over the next few years. In 2024, carriers will only be obliged to cover 40% of their total emissions. In 2025, this will rise to 70%, and in 2026, 100% of emissions will have to be covered as part of the scheme.
