VesselBot analysis reveals EU ETS cost variations for container shipping

A new analysis by VesselBot reveals significant variations in carbon exposure for container shipping voyages under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Examining over 20,000 voyages to or from EU and EEA ports in the second quarter of 2026, the study found that these voyages generated 11.8 million tonnes of CO2e, with 7.15 million tonnes requiring allowances. At an estimated price of €80 per tonne, the total quarterly cost for these allowances is approximately €572.4 million.

The study highlights how vessel schedules and port calls impact costs. For example, voyages from Singapore to Rotterdam, Valencia, and Piraeus saw approximately 50% of emissions fall within the EU ETS scope. For these specific routes, the estimated ETS cost per TEU ranged from €26.3 to €30.5. This differs from the published Energy Transition Surcharges from carriers like CMA CGM, which ranged from €56 to €70 per TEU.

VesselBot noted that the gap between ETS exposure and carrier surcharges is not necessarily evidence of overcharging, as surcharges often incorporate other costs such as FuelEU Maritime and various commercial assumptions. Additionally, the study found that calling at a UK port, such as Felixstowe, can significantly reduce EU ETS exposure; in one case study, seven Singapore-to-Europe voyages involving a UK stop resulted in only 0.5% of emissions falling within the scheme.