Climate actions in the maritime sector are continuously being pushed forward , both through the European Union ’ s Emissions Trading System ( ETS ) and by way of switching to cleaner marine fuels . Such means are deemed necessary if climate goals are to be achieved , even though there is a risk of hefty new costs for maritime traffic and freight transports .
In accordance with the EU ’ s ETS directive , maritime traffic will be incorporated into the Emissions Trading System gradually , in various phases . This process was started on 1st January , 2024 .
ETS REQUIREMENTS ALREADY INCORPORATED INTO NATIONAL LAWS
In Finland , the ETS directive ’ s obligations have been introduced in the country ’ s new national Emissions Trading Act , approved in December 2023 . It will repeal both the current Emissions Trading Act and the Act on Aviation Emissions Trading .
After the expansion of the Emissions Trading System ’ s coverage , the ETS will include emissions from large ships departing from and arriving to EU ports , regardless of the ships ’ flags .
Maritime emissions trading will be applied to vessels having a gross tonnage of at least 5,000 and carrying freight and passengers for commercial purposes . Similar obligations will come to apply to offshore vessels – such as oil and gas exploration vessels or maritime construction vessels – with a gross tonnage of at least 5,000 starting on 1st January , 2027 .
The Emissions Trading System is the considered to be the most significant EUlevel action so far for achieving emission reduction goals .
NEW SHIP FUELS NEEDED
This year , emissions trading will apply to the carbon dioxide emissions of maritime transport , starting on 1 January 2024 . Later on , the coverage will be expanded to methane and nitrous oxide ( NOx ) emissions , starting on 1st January of 2026 .
In practice , shipping companies shall acquire emission allowances to 40 percent of verified emissions reported for 2024 and 70 percent of verified emissions reported for 2025 . Starting from 2026 , emission allowances are to be acquired in full .
In addition to emissions trading , the maritime traffic operated within the EU area will be required to utilise renewable and low-emission fuels . From the year
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