From 1 January 2026, major changes to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) will come into effect, and these changes will have a direct impact on maritime transport costs across Europe and beyond.
At Powercargo, we want to help our clients understand what’s coming and how we can support you in preparing for the year ahead.
What Is Changing in 2026?
1. Full EU ETS Coverage for Shipping Within the EU
Starting January 2026, 100% of emissions from voyages between EU ports will fall under the EU ETS. This means shipping lines must purchase emissions allowances for all carbon emissions generated during these journeys.
2. 50% ETS Coverage for Voyages Entering or Leaving the EU
For routes between an EU port and a non-EU port (such as the UK), 50% of the total emissions will be subject to EU ETS charges.
From July 2026, the UK is also expanding its own Emissions Trading Scheme to include maritime transport, creating a combined regulatory landscape that affects all UK–EU maritime trade.
3. Increasing Operational Costs for Carriers
Shipping lines are facing higher carbon-related compliance costs, and these will continue to be passed through the logistics chain in the form of monthly ETS surcharges.
Clients should expect noticeable cost increases from January 2026, and a further uplift from July 2026 for UK–EU trade.
What This Means for Your Business
- Higher freight rates tied to carbon pricing and carrier compliance.
- Potential differences in cost across carriers, depending on their emissions profile and fleet efficiency.
- Greater scrutiny of emissions data assustainability reporting becomes more important to supply chains.
- A need to plan ahead, especially for businesses operating on tight margins or large shipping volumes.
This shift isn’t just regulatory - it represents abroader move toward decarbonised logistics.
How Powercargo Can Help You Prepare
Powercargo Logistics is here to guide you through every stage of these changes. As a forwarder with deep experience in customs, route planning, and carrier management, we can support you in the following ways:
1. Cost Forecasting & Impact Assessments
We can help analyse how the new EU ETS charges will affect your supply chain, shipment patterns, and landed costs.
Our team can prepare ETS cost projections, giving you visibility before surcharges take effect.
2. Route & Carrier Optimisation
Carriers vary in how they manage emissions, fuel efficiency, and ETS costs.
Powercargo can:
- Compare alternative shipping lines
- Identify lower-impact routes
- Help you avoid unnecessary ETS-exposed legs
This allows you to make informed decisions that balance cost, time, and sustainability.
3. Strategic Planning for UK–EU Movements
With both EU ETS (Jan) and UK ETS (July) impacting UK–EU trade in 2026, we’ll help you map out the smartest way to structure your shipments throughout the year.
4. Proactive Communication of ETS Surcharges
As shipping lines update their ETS rates, Powercargo will make sure you receive timely, clear updates and understand the effect on your operations.
5. Sustainability Consultation
If your business is working toward emissions reporting, ESG goals, or Scope 3 compliance, we can provide:
- Carbon-aware routing options
- Emissions data from carriers
- Strategic recommendations for greener supply chains
Preparing for 2026: Our Recommendation
1. Review your 2026 shipping budget now – ETS charges will rise.
2. Speak to us about high-exposure routes (e.g., EU–EU or EU–UK lanes).
3. Consider switching to more efficient carriers where appropriate.
4. Stay flexible - pricing will evolve throughout the year.
Let Powercargo Support Your Transition
We understand that regulatory changes can feel overwhelming, especially when they directly influence freight costs. Our goal is to make the transition to the 2026 EU ETS landscape as smooth as possible for you.
If you’d like a personalised ETS impact summary or to discuss your 2026 logistics strategy, please contact us - we’re here to help.
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