Emissions-related surcharges have on average doubled on the mainline Asia-Europe trade so far this year as carriers contend with the European Union’s stricter decarbonisation measures.
From January 1, the new FuelEU measure require lines to cut the GHG energy intensity of ships calling in Europe by 2% versus a 2020 baseline, progressively rising to 80% by 2050.
Simultaneously, the European Emission Trading System (ETS) introduced in 2024 now requires carriers to buy carbon credits to cover 70% of CO₂ emissions, up from 40% in 2024. This will apply to half of the emissions on journeys starting or ending in the EU, and all emissions for intra-EU voyages.
While carriers are forecast in general to pay less for bunkers in 2025, the overall fuel bill for European calls is expected to rise due to the increase in regulatory costs.
Source: Alphaliner