From 1 January 2024, crude oil tankers above 5,000 GT are included in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Operators must monitor and report CO₂ emissions from intra-EU voyages and 50% of emissions from voyages between EU and non-EU ports. In 2025, shipping companies will be required to surrender allowances for 40% of their 2024 verified CO₂ emissions. This obligation increases to 70% in 2026 and 100% by 2027. From 2026, the ETS scope will expand further to include methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O).
In parallel, the FuelEU Maritime Regulation takes effect on 1 January 2025. It introduces limits on the greenhouse gas intensity of fuels used by vessels, with a mandatory 2% reduction compared to the 2020 reference value of 91.16 gCO₂e/MJ. The reduction requirement increases progressively, reaching 6% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. The regulation applies across the full fuel lifecycle, covering CO₂, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions.
Together, these measures establish a unified regulatory framework that directly reshapes operational and logistical parameters for crude oil shipping within European trade flows.