Implementation and impact on Scandlines and customers
While maritime transport is one of the most energy-efficient modes of transport, it is also still a large greenhouse gas emitter, representing 3 - 4% of the EU’s total CO2 emissions. The shipping industry was exempted from the EU’s Emissions Trading System but is included since 2024. The extended EU ETS Directive applies to all ships (regardless of the flag they fly) above a gross tonnage of 5,000, which account for 90% of CO2 emissions.
Shipping companies have to purchase EU allowances for all emissions from intra-EU voyages and all emissions released in EU ports as well as for 50% of the emissions from voyages starting or ending outside of the EU.
Further details on the EU ETS Regulations for maritime transport can be found on the EU Commission's website.
Phased implementation of CO2 pricing since 2024 and inclusion of other greenhouse gases
The inclusion of shipping in the EU ETS aims to create financial incentives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a transition to a more sustainable operation. With the extended EU ETS Directive adopted, there was an initial phase-in period of carbon pricing for maritime transports, requiring shipping companies to purchase/surrender allowances equivalent to a portion of their verified emissions according to the schedule on the right:
This step-by-step implementation gradually increased the price per ton of CO2 for shipping between 2024 and 2026. Since 2026, the ETS regulations are also expanded to include emissions of two additional greenhouse gases – methane and nitrous oxide. Although the direct impact of this expansion is limited, it further increases the demand for emission allowances (EUA). Shipping companies have to purchase allowances through auctions on the European Energy Exchange (EEX), the ICE or others exchanges.
This means that the price for allowances is volatile, defined by supply and demand on the market. As the supply of allowances will gradually be reduced by the EU year by year, the cost for allowances will most likely increase, boosting the pressure on shipping companies to accelerate efforts to develop and implement alternative propulsion concepts thus reducing their environmental footprint.
What has Scandlines done to reduce emissions to date?
Scandlines has been working on its Green Agenda since 2011 to decarbonize its ferry operations, supported by massive investments in more sustainable technologies. Today, Scandlines owns and operates 6 hybrid ferries – one of the world's largest hybrid fleets.
In 2026 we put a freight ferry into service that can only be operated by shore power. Furthermore, our four double-end ferries on the Puttgarden-Rødby route are equipped with new, low noise pull thrusters, while the two ferries on our Rostock-Gedser route operate with the assistance of rotor sails, thus increasing our vessels energy efficiency and reducing their fuel consumption and emissions.
| Scandlines routes | Indication on ETS surchargeper commencing l/m |
|---|---|
| Germany - Denmark: Puttgarden - Rødby v.v. | EUR 0.10 |
| Germany - Denmark: Rostock - Gedser v.v. | EUR 0.30 |
| Transit Germany - Sweden:Puttgarden - Rødby + Øresund Bridge or Helsingør -Helsingborg v.v. | EUR 0.10 |
| Transit Germany - Sweden: Rostock - Gedser + Øresund Bridge or Helsingør - Helsingborg v.v. | EUR 0.30 |
Sharp focus on zero direct emissions vision
Scandlines is working on being able to operate ferries without direct emissions within a few years. By investing in the new freight ferry, which can operate crossings completely battery-powered, we have taken an important step towards achieving this goal. The ferry was commissioned in 2026 on the Puttgarden-Rødby route where the necessary charging infrastructure was built.
The project has launched the new generation of ferries on the Puttgarden-Rødby route, which helps us to achieve our emission reduction goal. In May 2026, the Science-Based-Target-Initiative officially validated our intermediate target for 2030 to reduce our emissions by 42 percent compared to 2024. This goal aligns with the Paris Agreement and is an important milestone in our efforts to operate company-wide without direct emissions by 2040.
Scandlines continues on the current trajectory further investing in a sustainable and competitive fleet and thus be able to offer fast, low-emission and therefore cost-efficient transports across the Baltic Sea in the long term.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your Scandlines Freight Sales contact.