New EU carbon dioxide emissions regulations from 1 January 2018

On 1 July 2015 measures to regulate the monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of CO2 emissions from ships using EU ports entered into force. By 31 August 2017 owners and operators of ships trading within the EU must have prepared and submitted a proposed monitoring plan for verification.

Background

The EU has estimated that emissions from the global shipping industry amount to around one billion tonnes a year, accounting for three per cent of the world’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and four per cent of the EU’s total emissions. In June 2013 the European Commission (EC) set out a three-step for reducing maritime GHG emissions:

• MRV of CO2 emissions from large ships using EU ports
• GHG reduction targets for the maritime transport sector
• Further actions, including global market-based measures, in the medium to long term.

The EU Regulation relating to MRV of CO2 emissions from maritime transport (2015/757), relates to the first step of the strategy, which should be fully implemented within the EU by 30 June 2019. It is hoped these MRV measures will contribute to building an international system to help reduce maritime CO2emissions.

Application

Applies to ships above 5,000 gross tonnes, regardless of flag, calling at EU ports whether incoming, outgoing or intra-EU voyages.

Requirements

• Ships will have to monitor their CO2 emissions, distances travelled, and cargo carried.
• The data must be independently verified and reported annually to the ship’s flag state and to the EC.
• Ships must carry a document of compliance (DOC) which will be subject to inspection by EU Member States. There will be penalties for infringements.

Timetable for compliance