06 Jan 2026
 

EU ETS Shipping Surcharge Changes for 2026

As part of our commitment to transparency and keeping you informed of industry shifts, we are sharing an important update regarding the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and its impact on ferry freight costs.

Beginning 1 January 2026, the maritime sector will enter the final phase of the EU’s scheduled implementation plan for environmental regulations. This transition will result in an adjustment to the surcharges applied to shipping and ferry routes across Europe.

Understanding the 2026 rate adjustment

The EU ETS was designed with a phased-in approach to help the industry adapt to carbon pricing. Over the past year, the industry has benefited from a partial reduction in these mandatory costs.

  • Current Status: Charges are currently set at 70% of the total amount (a 30% reduction).

  • Effective 1 January 2026: The ETS charge will increase to 100% of the full cost, as mandated by EU legislation.

What this means for your shipments

Ferry companies are increasing their surcharges to cover this full cost. Consequently, we will adjust our current EU ETS surcharge to reflect this. The increased surcharges will be passed directly onto you, just like the current ETS surcharges.

We will committed to transparency, and will continue to provide:

  • Itemised quotes: These costs will continue to be shown clearly as a separate, itemised surcharge on every quote.

  • Monthly breakdowns: We will provide a detailed monthly breakdown of all surcharges to help you manage your logistics budget effectively.

  • Direct alignment: We only pass on the costs as set by the maritime operators, ensuring you pay the standard market rate.

Looking ahead

The team at Perennial Freight is continuously monitoring environmental policy updates and maritime regulations. We remain dedicated to navigating these industry-wide changes alongside you, providing the most efficient and reliable freight solutions possible.

Questions? We understand that regulatory changes can impact your planning. If you require further clarification on how these rates are calculated or how they affect your specific routes, please contact our customer service team directly.