The German carrier foresees significant increases in container shipping costs while Deputy Minister Rixi meets Greece, Cyprus and Malta at the IMO to address the EU regulation

From January 1st next year, the European ETS regulation, the emissions trading mechanism that partially came into force in 2024, will fully unfold, and liners are starting to take action.

 It is noteworthy that from 1 January 2026, the European Emission Trading System (EU ETS) for shipping will reach its final implementation phase. From this date onwards, shipping companies will need to submit allowances for 100% of their verified CO₂ emissions for all voyages involving ports in the European Union (EU*).

Hapag Lloyd, for example, summarizing the key points of the issue this marks the completion of the gradual phase-in period introduced by the EU  and informed customers that it will have to adjust the relevant surcharge “to reflect the transition to 100% emissions coverage” and that it expects “the surcharge to increase by approximately 45% following this regulatory update”. 

40% of emissions covered in 2024
70% of emissions covered in 2025
100% of emissions covered from 2026 onwards

The EU ETS applies to:

100% of emissions from voyages within the EU*, and
50% of emissions from voyages between the EU* and non-EU ports.

100% of emissions from voyages within the EU*, and
50% of emissions from voyages between the EU* and non-EU ports.
As a result, overall EU ETS-related costs are expected to increase in 2026 compared to 2025, depending on the market price of emission allowances.

Related : Hapag-Lloyd posts solid nine-month results with higher volumes, lower rates

The uncertainties surrounding freight and transport markups related to the ETS 

The uncertainties surrounding freight and transport markups related to the ETS are a major concern for shippers, According to a statement from the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, "the need to protect the centrality of the Mediterranean in global trade routes and to decisively address the critical issues of the  ETS(Emission Trading System) applied to maritime transport" was the focus of discussions with the relevant ministers of Greece, Cyprus, and Malta that Deputy Minister Edoardo Rixi held in London during his participation in the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization.

On the other hand Rixi," the statement reads, "reiterated Italy's position: the ETS represents a barrier to global trade and penalizes the competitiveness of European logistics and the entire maritime industry. Mediterranean countries are therefore calling for specific measures and greater attention from European institutions." Rixi also held bilateral meetings with Ukraine's Deputy Minister for Territorial Development, Shkrum Ivanivna, Qatar's Minister of Transport, Sheikh Al Thani, and his British government counterpart, Keir Mather. according to Shipping Italy

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