Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers for ship owners, managers, and charterers who want to understand EU/UK ETS and FuelEU Maritime compliance.
EU/UK ETS for Shipping
The European emissions trading system under which shipping companies must surrender emission allowances (EUAs/UKAs) for their verified CO₂ emissions from EU/UK-related voyages and port activities.
What is EU/UK ETS (shipping)?
EU/UK ETS is the European emissions trading system under which shipping companies must surrender emission allowances (EUAs/UKAs) for a share — and ultimately 100% — of their verified CO₂ emissions from EU/UK-related voyages and port activities.
Who is EU/UK ETS relevant for?
Financial exposure, budgeting and strategic decisions
Compliance, data, reporting and audit trail
Operational choices and contractual allocation of ETS costs
What are the main focus areas?
- Correct scope definition — understanding 50% / 100% rules and port of call definitions
- Fragmented data — noon reports, bunkers, spreadsheets, and multiple systems that don’t talk to each other
- Unclear responsibilities — who is accountable: owner vs charterer vs manager?
When do you need to take action?
For EU ETS: As soon as your vessels call at EU ports or perform EU-related voyages.
For UK ETS: As soon as your vessels call at UK Domestic or perform UK-relevant voyages.
In practice: get your data in order, confirm your scope, and define a clear process for reporting and cost allocation.
What does an EU/UK ETS Compliance Scan include?
Our data assessment / Quick Scan gives fast clarity on where you stand and what is needed to become compliant.
You get insight into:
- Which vessels and voyages fall under EU/UK ETS
- What data is available and where the gaps are
- Whether processes and responsibilities are clearly defined
- Practical next steps toward robust compliance
What do you get out of it?
Realistic ETS exposure and stronger budgeting
Clarity, confidence and defensible compliance
Transparency in costs and settlement
FuelEU Maritime
EU regulation that sets an annual limit on the greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of the energy a ship uses on EU-related voyages and while at berth in EU ports.
What is FuelEU Maritime?
Who is FuelEU relevant for?
Fuel strategy and long-term decisions
Monitoring, data and reporting
Operational decisions and contractual arrangements
What makes FuelEU different from EU/UK ETS?
- No emission allowances — instead, intensity targets
- Uses compliance balances — surplus/deficit system
- Offers flexibility— via banking, borrowing and pooling
What are the main focus areas?
- Well-to-wake-scope — not only CO₂, but supply-chain emissions too
- Baseline visibility — without a baseline, you don’t know where you stand
- Contractual gaps— arrangements often lag behind regulation
What does a FuelEU Compliance Scan include?
You get insight into:
- Whether and where FuelEU applies
- Your current GHG intensity (high level)
- Available compliance routes (operations, fuel, pooling)
- Impact on owner–charterer agreements
What do you get out of it?
- A clear starting point for compliance and strategy
- Visibility on cost drivers and decision levers
- Fewer surprises during implementation
Still have questions?
Our team is ready to help you navigate maritime sustainability compliance.
