From January 1, 2026, the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) will cover all maritime CO₂eq emissions. This expansion is part of the EU’s broader climate strategy aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Shipping lines will be required to purchase emission allowances for all verified emissions generated within the European Economic Area (EEA). For transport between Finland and other parts of
Europe, most routes cross part of the Baltic Sea, meaning the surcharge will also affect road transport.
Morever, the ETS calculation method will change so that compensation must include not only carbon dioxide but also methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O). The EU ETS has been introduced gradually: in 2024, 40 percent of emissions had to be covered; in 2025, 70 percent; and from 2026 onwards, 100 percent.
As a result of these changes, the EU ETS surcharge on European transport will increase to cover the full 100 percent. Final surcharge levels will be confirmed by the turn of the year and added to freight quotations.