The European Commission is proposing changes to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) for maritime transport, with implications for freight costs, connectivity, fuel availability, and the competitiveness of European supply chains. The proposals were discussed at the European Shipowners | ECSA policy event “ETS revision: What’s next?”, held in Brussels on 16 September 2026. Polona Gregorin, from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA), outlined the main elements of the proposed revision and highlighted the importance of supporting decarbonisation while maintaining the competitiveness of the sector.
A central element is increased financial support for shipping’s transition to cleaner fuels and technologies. The Commission is proposing a dedicated support mechanism for the maritime sector and measures to ensure that ETS revenues contribute to the transition. For shippers, this is relevant because the availability and cost of cleaner maritime transport will depend on investment in fuels, vessels, technologies, and infrastructure.
The Commission also proposes extending the ETS to smaller vessels. While this could deliver additional emissions reductions, Gregorin highlighted the need to consider the impact on operating costs and connectivity, particularly for smaller vessels serving regional routes. Certain derogations for islands and other specific circumstances would also be extended.
Another element is greater coherence with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) framework, with the aim of avoiding overlapping requirements and potential double payment. The Commission also proposes stronger measures to address possible ETS evasion through transhipment outside the EU, including monitoring transhipment activity.
Finally, simplification of reporting and administration is part of the proposed revision. This could help reduce compliance complexity for operators and contribute to more predictable implementation across the sector.
For European shippers, the revised ETS will therefore matter not only for maritime decarbonisation, but also for freight costs, connectivity, access to cleaner transport options, and the predictability and competitiveness of European supply chains.