EU ETS Shipping Cost Calculator
The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) requires shipping companies to purchase emission allowances for CO2 emitted on voyages to, from, and within the EU. Phase-in reached 100% in 2026, covering CO2, methane, and N2O. Enter your vessel's emissions below to estimate the annual ETS liability — or enter an IMO number to auto-fill from EU MRV reporting data.
How the calculation works
EU ETS scope covers 100% of CO2 from intra-EU voyages, 100% at berth in EU ports, and 50% from voyages between EU and third-country ports. From 2026, emissions are scaled by a CH4/N2O correction factor (3.163/3.114 for HFO) to convert CO2 to CO2e.
Allowances required = (ETS-scoped CO2e) × phase-in percentage. Cost = allowances × EUA price. Phase-in: 40% in 2024, 70% in 2025, 100% from 2026 onwards.
When pre-filling from MRV data, voyage category proportions are calculated from the vessel's most recent EU MRV annual report (intra-EU, departing EU, arriving EU, and at-berth emissions).
The 3-year outlook shows costs at three EUA price scenarios: 70%, 100%, and 150% of the current reference price.
See the full methodology for details on data sources and emission factors.
Key facts
- EU ETS applies to vessels of 5,000 GT and above calling at EU/EEA ports.
- Phase-in: 40% of verified emissions in 2024, 70% in 2025, 100% from 2026 onwards.
- CO2, CH4, and N2O are covered from 2026. CH4 matters for LNG carriers and dual-fuel vessels.
- Intra-EU voyages: 100% of emissions. EU-to-third-country: 50% of emissions. At berth in EU: 100%.
- EUA prices have ranged between approximately €50 and €100 per tonne since maritime inclusion began.
- The ISM company is the liable entity. Charter party allocation clauses (e.g. BIMCO ETS clause) determine who bears the cost commercially.
EU ETS covers total emissions. FuelEU Maritime covers fuel GHG intensity — a different regulation with separate penalties. Calculate your FuelEU penalty →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does EU ETS cost per ship?
The cost depends on the vessel's annual CO2 emissions, the proportion of voyages touching EU ports, and the current EUA price. A mid-size bulk carrier emitting 25,000 tonnes of CO2 annually with 40% EU exposure might pay around €350,000–500,000 per year at current EUA prices. Use the calculator above to estimate the cost for a specific vessel.
Is EU ETS 100% in 2026?
Yes. The EU ETS phase-in for maritime shipping reaches 100% of verified emissions in 2026. The phase-in was 40% in 2024 and 70% in 2025. From 2026, the full scope applies: 100% of intra-EU voyage emissions, 100% of emissions at berth in EU ports, and 50% of emissions from voyages between EU and third-country ports.
Who pays for EU ETS — owner or charterer?
Under the EU ETS Directive, the shipping company (the entity responsible for the ISM Code compliance) is liable for surrendering allowances. In practice, charter party clauses increasingly allocate the cost to the commercial operator. The split depends on the charter party terms — there is no single regulatory answer. The BIMCO ETS clause is widely used as a starting point.
What is the EUA price today?
The EU Allowance (EUA) price fluctuates daily on exchanges like ICE and EEX. This calculator uses a recent reference price shown in the results. You can override it with the current market price in the EUA price field.
Are offshore vessels covered by EU ETS?
Offshore vessels under 5,000 GT are excluded. Vessels of 5,000 GT and above calling at EU ports are included regardless of type, including offshore service vessels. The threshold applies to the vessel's gross tonnage as registered.
Does EU ETS include methane and N2O?
From 2026, the EU ETS covers CO2, methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from maritime transport. This expands the scope beyond CO2 only. The calculator applies the CH4/N2O correction factor automatically for 2026 onwards, which you can toggle off if needed.
Full emissions compliance report for any vessel
VesselScore reports include EU ETS cost estimates, CII ratings, FuelEU compliance status, full MRV emissions data, plus PSC history, sanctions screening, and ownership chain.
Request accessData sources: EU MRV (THETIS-MRV) for vessel emissions when auto-filling by IMO. EUA prices are manually updated — check the "as of" date in the results. Emission factors from EU MRV Regulation and IMO MEPC guidelines. Phase-in schedule from EU ETS Directive 2023/959. This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes and does not constitute compliance advice.