The IMO and EU rules shaping ferry operations, with key dates and what they mean for operators.
Each rule is taken from its named source.
EUPhasing in
EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) for shipping
Key dates
2024-01-01: ships of 5000 GT+ covered (CO2)
2025-09-30: first allowances surrendered (40% of 2024 emissions)
2026: 70% of 2025 emissions, methane and nitrous oxide added
2027: 100%
What it means for ferry operators
Ferry operators running ships of 5,000 gross tonnes or more on EU routes must buy and hand in carbon allowances for their emissions, rising to the full amount from 2027.
EU ETS island, outermost region and cross-border public service exemptions
Key dates
2023-12-22: list of exempt islands, ports and public service routes published
2024-04: three Finnish ports added
2030-12-31: exemptions end
What it means for ferry operators
Passenger ships and ferries (not cruise ships) serving listed small islands (under 200,000 residents with no road or rail link), outermost regions or listed cross-border public service routes do not have to hand in allowances until the end of 2030, but must still monitor and report emissions.
2026-07-17: Commission proposal published, including changes to maritime ETS and MRV rules
What it means for ferry operators
A proposed overhaul that would strengthen the shipping part of the carbon market; nothing changes for operators until the EU Parliament and Council agree it.
FuelEU Maritime (Regulation (EU) 2023/1805): greenhouse gas intensity limits
Key dates
2025-01-01: applies in full (2% cut on 2020 level)
2026-01-31: first FuelEU reports due to verifiers
2030: -6%
2035: -14.5%
2040: -31%
2045: -62%
2050: -80%
What it means for ferry operators
Ships of 5,000 gross tonnes or more calling at EU ports must steadily lower the greenhouse gas content of the energy they use, measured over the fuel's full life cycle, or use the rule's flexibility options.
FuelEU Maritime: island and public service route exemptions
Key dates
2024-12-17: first national exemptions published (Greece, Italy, Denmark, Malta)
further lists 2025-2026
2029-12-31: all exemptions expire
What it means for ferry operators
Member states can exempt certain passenger ship routes to small islands, outermost regions and public service routes from FuelEU, but only until the end of 2029.
Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR, Regulation (EU) 2023/1804): port shore power
Key dates
2024-04-13: regulation applies
2030-01-01: ships must use shore power at AFIR Article 9 ports (via FuelEU)
What it means for ferry operators
EU countries must equip their main (TEN-T network) seaports with shore power for larger ferries, cruise and container ships, so operators can expect plug-in points at busy ferry ports by 2030.
EU Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of ship emissions
Key dates
2018-01-01: reporting starts for ships of 5000 GT+
2024-01-01: methane and nitrous oxide added
2025: some ships of 400-5000 GT added, reports due 31 March each year
30 June: document of compliance on board
What it means for ferry operators
Larger ships calling at EU and EEA ports must track and report their fuel use and emissions every year, and this data is the basis for ETS and FuelEU bills.
IMO Net-Zero Framework (draft MARPOL Annex VI amendments: global fuel standard and emissions pricing)
Key dates
2025-04: draft approved at MEPC 83
2025-10: adoption adjourned for a year
2026-11-23 to 27: intersessional working group
2026-11-30 to 12-03: MEPC 85
2026-12-04: adoption session due to resume (subject to MEPC 85)
What it means for ferry operators
A proposed worldwide fuel standard and carbon price for ships of 5,000 gross tonnes or more is not yet law; the next chance to adopt it is December 2026.
IMO energy efficiency rules: EEXI and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rating
Key dates
2022-11-01: MARPOL Annex VI amendments in force
2023-01-01: EEXI and CII apply
2024: first A-E ratings
spring 2026 to spring 2028: phase 2 review
What it means for ferry operators
Ro-pax and cruise ships on international voyages get a yearly A to E carbon rating (5,000 GT and above), and a D rating three years running or one E means a corrective plan.
Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea Emission Control Areas (NOx, SOx, particulate matter)
Key dates
2024: adopted at MEPC 82
2026-03-01: amendments in force
2027-03-01: limits take effect
What it means for ferry operators
Ships in Norwegian Sea and Canadian Arctic waters, including Norwegian coastal routes, must use 0.10% sulphur fuel from March 2027, and new ships face tighter nitrogen oxide limits.
North-East Atlantic Emission Control Area (NOx, SOx, particulate matter)
Key dates
2026-04-27 to 05-01: adopted at MEPC 84
2027-09-01: entry into force
2028: limits take effect (12 months later)
What it means for ferry operators
From 2028 ferries off Ireland, the UK, France, Spain, Portugal, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroes will need 0.10% sulphur fuel out to 200 nautical miles from shore.