EU ETS Environmental Surcharge on Ferry Tickets: What Travelers Need to Know

Understanding the EU ETS Environmental Surcharge

As part of the European Union's ambitious "Fit for 55" climate change package, a new Emission Trading System (ETS) has been extended to maritime transport. This initiative aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels), with a long-term goal of achieving zero emissions by 2050. To comply with these regulations and reduce their carbon footprint, shipping companies are now required to purchase emission allowances that offset a portion of their carbon dioxide emissions.

The new regulation mandates that companies buy allowances for 100% of emissions on voyages within the EU and 50% for voyages where one port is outside the EU. A three-year adjustment period is in place for companies to gradually increase their allowance purchases: 40% of emissions in 2024, 70% in 2025, and 100% in 2026. This system is expected to lead to significant increases in operational costs for ferry operators.

This new environmental regulation officially came into effect on January 1, 2024, impacting passenger ships of 5,000 gross tonnage or more that service islands with over 200,000 inhabitants, as well as routes connecting Greece with non-EU countries. While Greece has an exemption until 2029 for domestic routes to islands with fewer than 200,000 inhabitants, major operators like Anek Lines are implementing the surcharge on specific services that fall under the new rules.

Impact on Ferry Tickets and Affected Routes

The implementation of the EU ETS regulations directly results in increased operating costs for ferry companies, as they must purchase emission allowances for each ton of fuel consumed. Consequently, these costs are passed on to consumers as an environmental surcharge on tickets. For instance, the Anek – Superfast Joint Venture, which includes Anek Lines, began applying this new EU ETS environmental surcharge from January 1, 2024. This applies to passenger, vehicle, and cargo tickets per route on their Adriatic services, which typically connect Greece with Italy, and also on routes to Crete, such as the Piraeus to Chania ferry.

It's important for travelers to note that the surcharge amount is not static. It is adjusted on a monthly basis according to the average market prices for CO2 emissions. This means travelers should anticipate potential fluctuations in the environmental fee added to their ticket price. The collected EU ETS tariff is paid directly to the EU to fund environmental programs and initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting a more sustainable future for maritime transport.

Planning Your Ferry Travel with the New Surcharge

When planning your ferry journey, especially on routes affected by the EU ETS, it's highly advisable to check the latest information directly with the ferry operator or use a reliable ferry trip planner. This will help you understand the current ticket prices, including any applicable surcharges. Routes connecting Ancona or Venice to Igoumenitsa, for example, are definitively within the scope of these new charges. For broader information on ferries in Greece and beyond, always confirm details before booking.

The introduction of the EU ETS surcharge underscores the ongoing efforts to make maritime travel more environmentally friendly and is a direct consequence of the EU's commitment to climate action. While it represents an additional cost, it contributes to a larger goal of reducing the carbon footprint of the shipping industry across Europe, moving towards a greener future for ferry travel.