China officially aims for carbon neutrality “before 2060”. With legislation on carbon tax and fuel specifications upcoming but not yet active in the foreseeable years, main focus has been on the development of shore power infrastructure but the technology remains under-utilized in ports in the country.

Learn more about the targets, ambitions and upcoming rules and regulations of the Netherlands with regards to maritime sustainability here.

Cruise ships capable of accommodating more than 100 passengers in Sydney Harbour are required to limit emissions of sulphur oxides when berthing (maximum 0.10% m/m). It is like a mini-ECA in Sidney waters. Learn more here.

China’s coastal shipping sector is to implement low-carbon marine fuel regulations no later than 2030. Learn more about the low-carbon fuel regulations in China here.

China’s national ETS – the world’s largest in terms of covered emissions – started operating in 2021. Shipping is not included, for the moment. Learn more about ETS here.

Emissions from cruise ships and ferries in World Heritage Fjords are to be zero by 2026 latest. Read more here.

The ETD is the principal taxing scheme used for fossil and low-carbon fuels in EU. Fossil fuels will be taxed more, and renewable low-carbon fuels will receive incentives, including shore power.

RED targets supply side - production - of fuels in the EU, aiming for a 40% energy share from renewable sources by 2030.

AFIR targets the supply side of marine infrastructure and fuels in the EU, mandating the use of low-carbon fuels and shore power by 2030.

EU MRV is the CO2 reporting system in Europe, used for carbon tax determination. It is applicable to vessels of 5000 GT and above. It is expected to apply to 400 GT and above. Learn more about EU MRV here.

In the Netherlands, ‘Renewable Fuel Units’ (HBEs) are an economic incentive to gradually expand the use of green energy in transport and the reduction of greenhouse gasses. Fossil fuel producers are required to purchase HBEs from green fuel producers. The market is controlled by the Dutch Emission Authority. You can make up to €0.20 per green kWh sold. Learn more about HBEs here.

The Programma Aanpak Stikstof (PAS) is a Dutch law that strictly prohibits the deposition of NOx on environmental protection areas in the Netherlands. Impact on maritime operations can be severe - in particular for wind farm construction - required 80% NOx reduction on top of Tier III restrictions. Learn more about PAS here.

Learn all about the targets, ambitions and upcoming rules and regulations of the Unites Kingdom with regards to maritime sustainability.

It is proposed that carbon pollution from transportation will be taxed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Impact for shipping is unknown as no details are provided.

The US Clean Shipping Act is currently one of the most stringent maritime laws in the world. It requires all vessels above 400 GT to be fully zero emission by 2040 in US waters. In addition, shore power is mandatory as per 2030 for all vessels. Learn more about the Clean Shipping Act here.

The Ocean-Going Vessels at Berth (OGVB) regulation in California mandates shore power usage for specific vessel types starting per 2023. Learn all about OGVB and applicable ship types here.

The US Clean Shipping Act is the most stringent law in terms of maritime sustainability, mandating all vessels to be zero emission by 2040 and obliging shore power while moored by 2030. Learn more about the targets, ambitions and upcoming rules and regulations of the Unites States with regards to maritime sustainability here.

FuelEU Maritime is one of the most stringent upcoming laws on maritime sustainability, enforcing strict fuel reduction targets in combination with penalties on fuel combustion and shore power obligations for container and passenger ships.

EU ETS will serve as a carbon tax for the maritime industry. At current price level, it will increase fuel cost by at least €200 - €300 per mT fuel.