Emissions Surcharge (EMS/ESS)

Maersk has reviewed Emissions surcharge (EMS/ESS) for Q1 2026, and the tariffs will be effective 01 January 2026. The Emissions surcharge tariffs have been calculated using the average price of European Union Allowance (EUA) from EUA Daily Future (ice.com). The details on the period used for the calculation can be found in the table below:

Reference period - Details referred for deriving Average EUA Price for Q1 2026 Emissions surcharge calculations

Increase in Emissions Surcharge in 2026

The Emissions Surcharge will increase substantially compared to 2025, impacting all shipments to and from EU/EEA countries.

The increase is driven by higher compliance costs under two key regulations: the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the FuelEU Maritime Regulation (Fuel EU). From 2026, the EU ETS will require shipping lines to account for 100% of emissions, up from 70% in 2025, as part of its phased rollout. The scope will also expand to include methane and nitrous oxide, and allowance prices under the EU ETS are expected to rise. Meanwhile, FuelEU compliance costs are increasing due to biofuel price trends—rising biofuel costs combined with declining fossil fuel prices make low-emission compliance more expensive. Together, these factors contribute to the higher Emissions Surcharge.

Future Outlook

The cost of complying with regulatory requirements is expected to keep rising with increasing allowance prices year on year and other potential regulations from various jurisdictions in the coming years. By choosing Maersk ECO Delivery Ocean product, customers can mitigate these costs while benefiting from emissions savings. It utilises lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions fuels* to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil reference fuels, thereby lowering your value chain GHG footprint. Click here to know more.

Note:

• Emission surcharge (EMS/ESS) has been implemented to cover the costs associated with complying with the EU ETS and Fuel EU Maritime regulations.
• ESS is applied to bookings on SPOT and contracts with a validity of up to 31 days. EMS is applied to bookings with a validity greater than 31 days.
• For all bookings from China (Hongkong/Taiwan not included), we will add the emissions surcharge to the base freight rate for regulatory reasons. Base freight rate will be adjusted quarterly (increase/decrease) to reflect quarterly updated Emissions surcharge
• Emissions surcharge will be applied to all bookings with Load Port and/or Discharge Port country part of EU/EEA.

Should you have any further questions, please contact your local Sales representative. Our teams are always available to support should you need assistance.

EMS / ESS tariff values applicable from 01 January to 31 March 2026 (Q1 2026)