The maritime industry is facing significant challenges on its path to sustainability. With the vision of complete decarbonization by 2050 backed by regulations, shipping lines are implementing charges to cover the costs of the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). This raises questions about the industry’s future and how these charges will be distributed. In this article, we will explore the implications of these charges and how major shipping lines like Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM are addressing this challenge.
Starting in January, the EU ETS will apply to all maritime transport arriving in or departing from the EU or operating within EU waters. This cap-and-trade system aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote the transition to cleaner energy sources in the maritime industry.
Hapag-Lloyd has provided detailed figures on how it will calculate EU ETS charges. They use an emissions calculation method called the “Clean Cargo Emission Calculation Methodology,” which is based on standardized average emission factors. The German company plans to provide its customers with a calculator that allows them to estimate their emissions costs and clearly understand the impact of the EU ETS on their operations. Additionally, Hapag-Lloyd recalculates these charges quarterly.
Maersk has also introduced an eco-friendly shipping option called “ECO Delivery” that reduces EU ETS charges. However, Maersk’s charges are expected to be higher than its German competitors, as, in their calculations, the fees for routes from the Far East to Northern Europe are significantly higher.
On the other hand, CMA CGM uses a price of 90 euros per tonne of carbon to calculate its charges. Their estimates indicate that charges will be lower than Maersk’s on certain routes.
In conclusion, the implementation of EU ETS charges by shipping lines is a response to the need to reduce carbon emissions in the maritime transport industry. These charges will vary depending on the shipping line and the specific route. As decarbonization progresses, it is essential for shipping lines to collaborate with their customers to understand and mitigate the impact of these charges.
As EU ETS regulations expand in the coming years, shipping lines will have the responsibility to inform their customers about the charges and how they will affect shipping costs. The transition to more sustainable maritime transport is a significant step in the fight against climate change and the preservation of our oceans and the environment.
Source: seatrade-maritime.com
