On 17 July 2026, the European Commission published a proposal to amend Regulations (EU) 2015/757 and (EU) 2023/1805, creating a unified monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system for maritime emissions and energy use. The proposal merges compliance cycles for the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and FuelEU Maritime obligations, requiring companies to submit one monitoring plan and one report per ship instead of separate filings. The changes aim to reduce duplication and administrative burden for operators while expanding the scope of vessels covered from 2029.
The proposal introduces a single MRV framework covering both greenhouse gas emissions and energy use. From 2029, the scope expands to include oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers, LNG carriers, ro-pax ships, and passenger ships below 5,000 but not below 400 gross tonnage. Ships performing or supporting offshore operations are also brought under MRV rules, with delegated powers for the Commission to set monitoring and reporting rules. A new Article 4a clarifies the administering authority responsible for MRV obligations and establishes an attribution mechanism for shipping companies. Government ships used only for non-commercial purposes are excluded, and references to fish-catching or fish-processing ships are replaced by a broader "fishing ships" exclusion.
The Commission gains delegated powers to amend monitoring methods for the expanded scope and to align with the International Maritime Organization's Data Collection System. Provisions on empowerments apply from the twentieth day after publication in the Official Journal, while MRV application is deferred. The proposal now passes to the European Parliament and the Council for negotiation.
Shipping companies face reduced compliance costs from a single MRV system but must prepare for broader coverage from 2029, including offshore vessels. National authorities will need to adapt oversight mechanisms for the unified system. EU regulators benefit from streamlined data collection, while environmental NGOs may view expanded scope positively but could push for faster implementation. The proposal balances administrative simplification with gradual regulatory expansion, avoiding immediate cost spikes for operators.