Maritime transport to and from EU ports is covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Emissions trading applies to ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above transporting cargo or passengers for commercial purposes. Emissions trading includes carbon dioxide emissions from vessels and, from the beginning of 2026, also methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Traficom’s task is to serve as the administering authority for shipping companies, which inspects vessel emissions monitoring plans (MRV) and approves the verification of emissions at the national level.
Maritime transport is a part of the EU Emissions Trading System
Finland is committed to the European Commission’s Fit for 55 package aimed at reducing the EU’s net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% from the 1990 levels by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality at the EU level by 2050.
As part of the Fit for 55 package, maritime transport to and from EU ports was integrated into the current EU ETS as of 1 January 2024. Emissions trading applies to ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above transporting cargo or passengers for commercial purposes.
From the beginning of 2024, emissions trading has included carbon dioxide emissions, and from the beginning of 2026, also methane and nitrous oxide emissions from maritime transport will be included. From 1 January 2027, the obligations will also apply to offshore vessels with a gross tonnage of at least 5,000.
The EU ETS is the key Union-level action to achieve the emission reduction targets. Traficom’s task is to act as the competent authority for maritime transport in accordance with the national Emissions Trading Act (1270/2023) of the Directive and as the administering authority for shipping companies.
Emissions trading is applied in relation to ports and staggered over several years
The surrender requirements of emission allowances apply to 100 per cent of the emissions generated by vessels stationed at Member State ports and to voyages between ports located in the Member States. Additionally, the surrender requirement of emission allowances applies to 50 per cent of the emissions from ships performing voyages between a port in a Member State and a port located in a third country.
Shipping companies must surrender allowances to 40 per cent of verified emissions reported for 2024 and to 70 per cent of verified emissions reported for 2025. Starting from 2026, allowances will be surrendered in full.
Emissions trading is based on reported consumption
Marine transport emissions must be monitored, reported and verified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2023/957 of the European Parliament and Council. Regulation 2023/957 amends Regulation (EU) 2015/757 so that, in the future, the inclusion of maritime transport in the EU Emissions Trading System and the rules for monitoring, reporting and verification of other greenhouse gases and emissions from other types of ships will be taken into account (the so-called MRV Regulation).
Frequently Asked Questions
Should the original copy of the shipowner's authorisation to the ISM company be delivered to both the Energy Authority and Traficom?
No, the original copy should preferably be sent to Traficom, but the agencies will share this information with each other on request.
Why should the verifier apply for national approval in Finland?
The Emissions Trading Act (1270/2023) requires this procedure.
Are there requirements related to the content or format of the authorisation granted by the shipowner?
The authorisation must include its purpose (implementation of emissions trading obligations), date, signatures from the owner and the ISM company in accordance with the company’s rights to represent, and the name and IMO number of the vessel. Preferably, no other information should be given.