EU ETS surcharge

An EU ETS surcharge is what shipping lines charge to cover the carbon allowances they must buy under the EU's emissions trading system, which has covered shipping since 2024. It applies to cargo to, from or within the EU. Maersk's emissions surcharge from Asia to North Europe is USD 170 per 40ft for Q4 2026.

What the EU covers

• Ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above — since 1 January 2024 the companies running them must surrender EU emission allowances for the emissions within the scope below.
• 100% of emissions on voyages between two EU ports and while ships are in EU ports.
• 50% of emissions on voyages starting or ending outside the EU.

The phase-in

Worked example: ten 40ft containers, Shanghai to Rotterdam

Who pays

The shipping company remains the entity responsible for surrendering allowances, the Commission says, though it may be entitled to reimbursement from whoever buys the fuel or operates the ship. Shippers pay through the carrier's surcharge — which, Maersk notes, covers the cost of the EU ETS and of the FuelEU Maritime regulation together.

The mistake people make

Assuming a transhipment stop just outside the EU ends the voyage. The Commission's rules say calls at certain neighbouring transhipment ports, such as Tanger Med and East Port Said, do not count as the start or end of a voyage — so the EU share is worked out from the last real port of call.