EU Emissions Trading Scheme: What It Means for Your Vessel

Key regulations ship operators need to know

The European Union (EU) has expanded its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to include ships carrying cargo or passengers over 5,000 GT. From 2024, vessel operators trading into and out of EU ports must pay a compliance carbon tax directly linked to CO₂ emissions.

This move is part of the EU’s wider Fit-for-55 climate and energy package, which aims to cut emissions by at least 55% from 1990 levels by 2030. From 2026, methane and nitrous oxide emissions will also be included in the scheme.

Reducing EU ETS costs with marine coatings

Meeting EU ETS requirements isn’t just about reporting emissions; it’s about reducing them. By lowering drag and improving fuel efficiency, marine coatings cut CO₂ output, helping shipowners limit carbon exposure, reduce compliance costs, and align with climate targets. Choosing the right hull coating is not only operational but a vital part of EU ETS compliance.

Application of the scheme to shipping

Emissions from voyages will be charged at the following rates:
 

• 100% tariff on voyages to or from an EU port
• 100% tariff at berth in EU ports
• 50% tariff on voyages into or out of the EU (unless <300 nm, then 100% tariff applies)

Charges will be calculated annually from 2024, based on CO₂ emissions submitted through the EU MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification) system.

AkzoNobel estimates the EU ETS will affect 18–20% of all vessels trading globally - that’s approximately 6,000–7,000 ships.

How fouling control coatings reduce EU ETS costs

Because the levy is based on CO₂ emissions, the choice of marine coatings, especially fouling control coating applied to a vessel’s underwater hull, can directly influence ETS payments. By minimising drag, reducing fuel consumption, and lowering emissions, coatings help shipowners cut costs over the reporting period.

Example: Intersleek® 1100SR
 

• First biocide-free fouling control coating
• Patented Slime Release technology combats micro-fouling
• Maintains performance throughout the docking cycle
• Improved static resistance, even in warm waters and at slow steaming speeds
• Any slime build-up is released naturally as the ship moves through water

Result: Vessels using Intersleek 1100SR can achieve reduced drag, improved fuel efficiency, and CO₂ reductions of up to 9%.

International HullCare: Long-term solutions

Our International® HullCare package goes even further. By ensuring smooth, clean hulls are maintained over a 10-year docking cycle, operators can achieve:

• CO₂ emission reductions of up to 34,000 tonnes
• Fuel savings of up to €4.6 million compared with a typical 5-year fouling control system

Whether your operation requires a 5-year, 7.5-year, or 10-year dry dock interval, International® HullCare delivers measurable performance benefits.