Offshore operators should not wait for EU ETS clarity to act on emissions data

EU MRV has applied to offshore vessels of 400 GT and above since 1 January 2025, and vessels of 5,000 GT and above are scheduled to enter the EU ETS from the 2027 reporting period. On 17 July 2026, the European Commission published proposals that would revise the MRV framework from 1 January 2029 and bring offshore vessels between 400 and 5,000 GT into the ETS from 2031. These are not final, however, and must still pass through the legislative process.

The question is how the rules will work offshore in practice. The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has welcomed the recognition of offshore-specific terminology and operational realities, but says more clarity is needed on ports of call, cross-border operations and how the EU and UK ETS interact. I understand why that uncertainty makes operators hesitate.

Waiting still costs time, though. It leaves less opportunity to establish reliable data, embed routines and show measurable improvement before regulatory or customer expectations move. Timelines also keep shifting. In August, Norway’s Ministry of Climate and Environment confirmed that FuelEU Maritime and ReFuelEU Aviation, previously expected to take effect later this year, will not enter into force for Norway before 1 January 2028. That is exactly why I would build operational and data discipline now rather than work towards a fixed date.

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →