The EU emissions trading system (ETS) scope has been expended as from January 2024 and now also includes maritime transport. Carbon dioxide (CO2) will be measured and verified within the maritime transport for 100% within the EU and when ships are within EU ports and for 50% for trips that either start or end outside of the EU. While maritime transport is one of the most energy-efficient modes of transport that plays a crucial role for the EUs economy, it also represents about 4% of the total CO2 emissions which has led to the current change and addition to the EU ETS. Road transport emissions have already been included in the ETS 2, a separate system created in 2023 that will be officially launched in 2027.
The EU ETS also includes the nitrous oxide (N2O) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs) emissions in addition to other sources or activities that form CO2. These emissions are the so called greenhouse gases that are being limited by a predefined cap that will be reduced annually to ensure a significant emission decrease and thereby contribute to the EU climate target. The EU ETS forces companies to pay for their greenhouse gas emissions as incentive and thereby drive sustainable change.
The EU climate ambition for 2030 is to reduce 62% of emissions covered in the EU ETS compared to 2005 by tightening the caps and thereby contribution to the European Climate Law 2021/1119 for becoming climate-neutral by 2050. Climate neutrality is perceived as zero greenhouse gas emissions to which all sectors must contribute by playing a significant role.
We have been informed about the upcoming surcharges for the transport of our products following the EU ETS, especially with the inclusion of both road and maritime transport, since the costs are simply transmitted through the supply chain. Whilst we are doing our utmost to prevent price increases we also feel a strong responsibility to contribute to European climate ambitions and create a better future for everyone. Hence, the delivery costs of our products to our customers will therefore follow the price increases and surcharges of the applicable sector.
Source: climate.ec.europa.eu