VMS - 2026 EU ETS Solutions Overview

The following document is designed to aid VMS customers in managing EU ETS regulatory changes. It includes information on changes introduced in 2026, and recommendations for handling transition voyages.

For general ETS information, please refer to our original ETS Documentation

Please feel free to reach out through our Help Center for further information or assistance.

2026 EU- ETS Changes (Available as of 2025 Q4)

1. 100% Phase-In of Compliance Obligation:

EU-ETS regulation took a phased approach and as of January 1st 2026, 100% of the calculated allowances apply to the penalty.

2. Expansion to Include CH₄ and N₂O:

From January 1st, 2026 onward, EU-ETS calculations should include all CO₂ emissions from sea transport with the inclusion of methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O).

These changes will result in an increase in ETS- related costs.

EUA and Year-End Best Practices

The EUA calculation, by default, calculates with only one phase per voyage. 40% for 2024, 70% for 2025, and 100% thereafter. However, using the overwrite capabilities, it is easy to estimate the total EUA requirement for a voyage that spans two years. Below are two alternatives depending on the rigor of precision needed.

1. Change Phase for a rough estimate.

The phase for 2025 is 70%, and for 2026 is 100%, so if a voyage has roughly three-quarters of the gross days in 2025, enter 77.5% as the phase. For half the voyage in each year, enter 85%, and for a quarter in 2025, enter 92.5%.

2. Change EU percentage for a good estimate

The year change happens only in one passage or port stay. Go into the calculator and prorate the percentage field for that passage or port. Set prior legs to 0% and leave subsequent legs untouched. To be even more precise, you can duplicate the year-end leg and set the departure to exactly 00:00 on Jan 1 of the new year. This leg then attracts 0% EU (no need to prorate).