A European Commission report published on 29 April 2026 reveals that the monitored maritime fleet emitted a record 144.9 million tonnes of CO2 in 2024, a 12.9% increase from 2023. The Commission Staff Working Document (SWD(2026)119) attributes the surge primarily to the Red Sea crisis, which forced rerouted transits and extended travel distances, increasing fleet activity. For the first time, non-CO2 emissions were also reported, amounting to 3.7 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent.
The report, accompanying the 2025 Report from the Commission on greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport, is a mandatory reporting exercise under the EU MRV Maritime Regulation. It covers data from 2018 to 2024 and is not a legislative proposal. The findings are based on monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of emissions from ships calling at EU ports.
The record emissions highlight a tension between maritime trade efficiency and climate goals. The Red Sea crisis, a geopolitical disruption, led to longer shipping routes, increasing fuel consumption and emissions. This underscores the vulnerability of global supply chains to regional conflicts and the difficulty of decarbonising maritime transport under such pressures. The inclusion of non-CO2 emissions for the first time expands the regulatory scope, potentially leading to stricter future targets.
Impact on stakeholders Shipping companies face increased scrutiny and potential costs from expanded MRV requirements, especially for non-CO2 emissions. The operational changes due to the crisis have raised fuel costs and emissions, possibly accelerating investments in energy-efficient technologies. EU regulators gain data supporting the EU's push for stricter emission reduction targets under the 'Fit for 55' package, including the extension of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) to maritime transport. Container ship operators, as major contributors to the emissions increase, may face higher compliance costs under the EU ETS, impacting profitability and potentially leading to higher freight rates. Environmental NGOs see the record emissions as strengthening their calls for more aggressive decarbonisation measures, including speed limits and alternative fuel mandates.
Expected institutional follow-up The report will inform upcoming European Parliament and Council discussions on the revision of the MRV Regulation and the implementation of the maritime ETS. The Commission may propose amendments to include non-CO2 emissions in reduction targets or adjust the ETS cap based on the new data.
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