15/10/2026
⚓ EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime in 2026: What Shipping Emissions Data Can Tell Us About ESG Performance
The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and FuelEU Maritime are key EU regulations supporting maritime decarbonisation. Beyond compliance, they generate valuable data that can help stakeholders understand a fleet’s environmental performance and regulatory preparedness.
🔹 What Do the Regulations Require?
EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS): Since 2024, the EU ETS has covered qualifying cargo and passenger ships of 5,000 GT and above.
Emissions coverage: 100% for intra-EEA voyages and emissions at berth; 50% for voyages between EEA and non-EEA ports.
Phased-in obligations: 40% of relevant 2024 emissions, 70% of 2025 emissions and 100% of 2026 emissions.
Expanded scope: Methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) are included alongside CO₂ from 2026.
In July 2026, the European Commission proposed targeted amendments, including potential coverage of certain ships between 400 and 5,000 GT. This remains a proposal, not an enacted requirement.
FuelEU Maritime: Applicable since 1 January 2025, FuelEU Maritime limits the greenhouse gas intensity of energy used on board ships within its scope.
The first reporting period covered 2025, with reports due to verifiers by 31 January 2026. Verification and subsequent compliance procedures follow the regulatory timetable during 2026.
📊 Why Does This Matter for Maritime ESG Performance?
Emissions and compliance data can provide useful insights into:
🌍 Emissions exposure: Understanding carbon-pricing obligations and potential costs.
♻️ Decarbonisation progress: Evaluating greenhouse gas intensity and the transition towards lower-emission energy.
📋 Compliance management: Reviewing compliance balances and permitted banking, borrowing or pooling mechanisms.
🔍 Data governance: Assessing the completeness, consistency and timeliness of environmental reporting.
🚢 Where Does Varuna Sentinels Come In?
Maritime sustainability extends beyond emissions. Seafarer welfare, occupational safety, business ethics and governance also play important roles.
Varuna Sentinels B.V. provides an independent maritime ESG rating using an evidence-based approach to evaluate environmental, social and governance factors in the context of maritime operations. The rating complements regulatory reporting, statutory certificates and inspections it does not replace them.
✅ Conclusion
EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime provide important insights into shipping emissions, energy-related greenhouse gas intensity and regulatory compliance. Combining these insights with broader ESG evidence can offer a more comprehensive view of maritime sustainability, helping shipowners, ship managers, vessel operators, charterers and other stakeholders identify improvement opportunities and make informed decisions.
🔗 Learn about ESG rating: https://esg.varuna-sentinels.com/
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