According to Peninsula, as the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) continues to evolve in order to advance Europe’s climate ambitions, shipping companies need to understand how the regulatory framework could develop in order to plan ahead following the latest July 2026 proposed revisions.
The revision includes several measures relevant to maritime transport. One area under consideration is the expansion of the system to medium-sized cargo and offshore ships between 400gt and 5,000gt, broadening the vessels potentially subject to EU ETS requirements. The proposals also address the emissions covered by the system. Obligations to surrender allowances would extend to methane and NOx emissions, rather than being limited to CO2.
From 2027, shipping companies would be required to surrender allowances covering 100% of their reported emissions from 2026 onwards.
The proposals look at how the EU ETS can continue to drive decarbonisation while addressing competitiveness and the potential diversion of maritime traffic. Measures proposed to curb evasion and the diversion of transhipment traffic include reducing the relevant transhipment threshold from 65% to 50%, which could extend the excluded ports list to additional neighbouring hubs.
The proposals also consider adjustments to the Linear Reduction Factor, which determines the pace at which the overall emissions cap declines. For shipowners, operators and marine energy consumers, the direction of travel reinforces the growing importance of incorporating emissions regulation into commercial and operational decision-making.
The proposals remain part of an evolving legislative process, meaning their final form could change. The outcomes of upcoming debates and reports will help shape the future of the EU ETS and the balance between industrial competitiveness and decarbonisation.
Maria Angelez Lopez, Decarbonisation Manager, Peninsula, said: “As the regulatory landscape evolves, we help customers turn complex challenges into business opportunities. By providing clear guidance on emerging requirements, their operational and commercial implications, and the most effective compliance and decarbonisation solutions, we enable informed decision-making and support long-term success in a rapidly changing market.”
Peninsula says it continues to monitor developments across the regulatory landscape and work with customers to help understand what evolving requirements mean for their operations.
