Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships operating on voyages connected to the European Union saw an increase in 2025. Data from the EU's Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system indicates a 2.1% rise in total GHG emissions, reaching 156 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (mtCO2eq) for the year. This growth is largely a result of the expanded scope of the MRV regulation, which now includes additional categories of vessels.
This development means that more ships are now required to report their emissions, contributing to the overall reported increase. The rise does not necessarily reflect a substantial increase in the emissions intensity of individual vessels, but rather a broader capture of the maritime sector's environmental footprint within the EU's regulatory framework.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, this expansion of MRV reporting signifies a growing regulatory burden and increased scrutiny on emissions data. Shippers may face higher compliance costs as carriers adjust to these new reporting requirements. While direct rate impacts are not immediately clear, the long-term trend points towards greater pressure for decarbonization, potentially influencing carrier selection and routing decisions based on environmental performance. Forwarders should anticipate continued evolution in maritime environmental regulations and prepare for more comprehensive emissions data requirements from their shipping partners.