Fjord Line will be joining the European Emission Trading System (ETS)

As of January 2024, a new set of sustainability regulations will enter the maritime world. All ferry companies are required to join the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are committed to reducing our ecological footprint and adhering to the important environmental standards, and we are pleased to be part of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
Here you can find information on these changes.

Let’s dive into the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) and find out why it matters for you as our passenger. Your support means a lot to us as we all work together for a greener, more sustainable future.

What is ETS?

So, what’s this ETS all about? The European Union kicked off this initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a market-driven approach where there’s a limit on how much CO2 can be emitted, and this cap gets lower every year. It’s all about encouraging eco-friendly practices.

Starting January 2024, the ETS is going to include CO2 emissions from all the big ships visiting EU ports, and that includes us at Fjord Line. This means we’ll be counting all the emissions from our trips within the EU, half of the emissions from trips that start or end outside the EU, and all emissions while docked at EU ports.

Here’s how it’ll work: ferry companies will start by covering 40% of their emissions in 2024, then 70% in 2025, and finally hitting 100% by 2026.

What this means for you as a traveler

Starting January 2024, we’ll be adding this new surcharge to all trips. This is all about aligning with the ETS requirements, and we’ll be sharing it among our freight clients and passengers on all our ships. This means that from January 2024, all sailings will be subject to a small environmental tax, which applies to both passengers and freight customers. The environmental tax will be included in the total price and specified as “EU environmental surcharge” when booking journeys with Fjord Line.

We promise to keep things super transparent with you and share the responsibility of fighting climate change, all while continuing to provide the reliable transport services you love.

Just a little reminder: this surcharge isn’t about making a profit. It’s our way of contributing to the ETS and doing our part for the environment. We’re excited about these changes and see them as a big step towards a more sustainable maritime industry.

Maritime transportation provides a sustainable alternative to air and road travel, and Fjord Line leads the way in sustainable shipping. Today, our two cruise ships run on dual-fuel engines, capable of using both LNG and MGO, with a clear ambition to sail predominantly on LNG. LNG, a greener form of natural gas, offers up to 25% greater carbon efficiency than conventional fuels like MGO.

If you’re curious about our sustainability journey, you can find more information her. Thanks for being part of our eco-friendly ferry family!