EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime: What alcoholic beverage importers need to know

Sustainability regulation in maritime transport continues to develop. For wine, beer and spirits shippers, staying informed supports forward planning and discussions with partners. Two central policies are shaping the future of sea freight: the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and FuelEU Maritime.

These measures work together to encourage lower-emission energy use in maritime transport and support the broader climate objectives of the European Union. They sit alongside global ambitions outlined in the IMO greenhouse gas reduction strategy. This article explains the upcoming changes and why they are relevant to shippers within the beverage industry.

What is the EU ETS in maritime transport?

The EU Emissions Trading System places a cost on greenhouse gas emissions linked to maritime operations through a mechanism of emission allowances. Sea freight movements that fall under the scope of the EU ETS require these allowances to reflect associated emissions. Currently and until the end of 2025, the system applies to carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and shipping companies must surrender allowances for 70% of the emissions under scope.

What changes in January 2026?

From January 1, 2026:
• The scope expands to cover 100% of emissions under scope
• The system begins to include methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), alongside carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• Carriers may adjust pricing structures to reflect the need for emission allowances.

What is FuelEU Maritime?

FuelEU Maritime complements the EU ETS by focusing on the greenhouse gas intensity of the energy used in sea freight transport. Instead of pricing emissions, it encourages the adoption of alternative fuels and new propulsion technologies.

Over time, the regulation requires a gradual shift toward energy sources with lower lifecycle emissions. This supports ongoing industry innovation and the development of future marine fuels and technologies, including biofuels, e-fuels and onboard efficiency systems.

Find out more by visiting the IMO website.

Why these changes matter for wine, beer and spirits shippers

Sea freight remains a key mode of international transport for bottled, bulk and packaged alcoholic beverages. The upcoming regulatory changes may influence how alcoholic beverage shippers plan and manage their supply chains.

This can include:

• Updated cost structures linked to emission allowances
• Increased availability and visibility of low-emission fuel options
• Broader sustainability reporting and target-setting considerations
• Long-term discussions about trade lane planning and seasonal flows

These developments can support more informed conversations about sustainability goals and supply chain efficiency.

Using GoGreen to manage the EU ETS surcharge

Hillebrand Gori’s GoGreen Plus program enables the use of more sustainable marine fuel through a book-and-claim model. For customers choosing GoGreen Plus, Hillebrand Gori waives the EU ETS surcharge as part of our commercial approach. This does not affect carriers’ regulatory obligations.

While the EU ETS only imposes a compliance cost without delivering any direct benefit to your business, GoGreen Plus provides tangible value by issuing an official emission reduction certificate for your transport activities. This certificate can be used to demonstrate progress toward your climate targets and provides verifiable data for your ESG and climate disclosures.

This approach provides certified CO₂ reduction attribution and can support annual sustainability reporting.

Learn more about GoGreen Plus.

What to consider next

Freight payers of wine, beer and spirits shipments may find value in beginning internal planning discussions around:

• Reviewing sustainability strategies and reporting structures
• Understanding potential pricing effects from sea freight partners
• Evaluating the GoGreen Plus option as part of long-term planning
• Discussing seasonal transport patterns with supply chain partners

These steps will help to keep the supply chain running smooth and align with broader business objectives.

How can Hillebrand Gori help?

We focus solely on wine, beer and spirits transport, supporting the beverage industry across global trade lanes. The team can explain how regulatory changes may influence sea freight planning and provide guidance on more sustainable fuel options.

This includes support with documentation, reporting, advisory discussions and long-term supply chain planning.