Written question – ETS maritime surcharges – E-001705/2025

Question for written answer  E-001705/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sérgio Gonçalves (S&D), Johan Danielsson (S&D), Daniel Attard (S&D)

An analysis by the European Federation for Transport and Environment has raised concerns that major European container shipping companies may be imposing Emissions Trading System (ETS) surcharges on their customers that exceed the actual costs incurred under the EU ETS[1]. This practice could lead to significant windfall profits for these companies, with clients and final consumers bearing the inflated costs.

In the light of these findings, can the Commission clarify:

• 1.What measures are in place or under consideration to ensure that shipping companies’ ETS surcharges accurately reflect their compliance costs, thereby preventing undue financial burdens on consumers?
• 2.How does the Commission assess the potential impact of such pricing strategies on the overall effectiveness of the EU ETS in reducing maritime emissions?
• 3.Is the Commission exploring or considering regulatory measures to prevent shipping companies from generating windfall profits at the expense of consumers through ETS-related surcharges?

Submitted: 29.4.2025

• [1] https://www.transportenvironment.org/uploads/files/Briefing_ETS_WindfallProfits-1.pdf.