Actionable Supply Chain Decarbonization: Staying Ahead of the Regulatory Curve
The European Union has launched a variety of sustainability initiatives in recent years that address the global supply chain—and the maritime transport industry is no exception. As of 2025, the EU’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) now holds large shippers financially accountable for the emissions they produce when starting or ending voyage charters in any member port. This means logistics aspects of Scope 3 is not only a visibility criteria or a carbon footprint reduction goal, it has a financial impact on the business that cannot be ignored at least, and can have a serious margin impact on large shippers.
Thanks to our deep-seated expertise in developing precise CO₂e emissions tracking models for carbon accounting insights, Searoutes has outlined three actionable strategies for logistics companies aiming to mitigate their freight-related carbon footprint and surpass compliance to the latest EU ETS requirements.
Environmental regulations that impact the supply chain are only poised to continue evolving, so shippers stand to benefit from building out dynamic emissions-accountable capabilities rather than reacting to the latest obligations. The best action plans are resilient, avoid outdated emissions data estimates, leverage optimized routes, and engage in partnerships with other carriers that share decarbonization goals.
Get Ahead of EU ETS, Not Caught by It
The EU ETS raised the bar for emissions accountability when its regulations extended into the maritime transportation sector. The law sets a limited number of EU Allowances – which each enable a company to emit one tonne of CO₂e into the atmosphere — available for trading every year. These permits reached an all time high cost of 105 euros in 2023 but were trading closer to 72 euros this May.
As part of the amendment’s initial phase-in period, shippers must purchase these emissions allowances by September 2025 for 40% of all their reported emissions that occurred between two EU ports in 2024. This coverage will ramp up in the coming years, to the point where shippers are financially responsible for 100% of their emissions originating from voyages between EU ports in 2027, and 50% of all emissions for voyages that involve at least one EU port. Ships above 5,000 gross tonnage became subject to the regulation in 2024 while offshore-specific vessels above the same weight will become subject in 2027.
These changes create new pressures for shippers because companies must operate with a clear view on voyage distances and emissions in order to understand exactly what their compliance cost to the EU ETS law is. As a result, reducing Scope 3 emissions can’t simply remain as one prong of a company’s Environmental, Social and Governance framework, it is now integral shippers manage their exposure to carbon pricing factors if they are to thrive in today’s logistics industry. Searoutes’ unique Application Programming Interface (API) technology employs robust databases and continuously calibrated models to support meaningful emissions solutions.
1. Establish a EU ETS-Compliant Emissions Baseline
While the new EU ETS obligations require carriers to report well-to-wake emissions at the vessel level, the compliance costs can vary significantly depending on a voyage’s specific trade route, type of cargo and carriers’ specific methodology for calculating surcharges. For routes within the EU have become more expensive compared to those with transatlantic legs and reefer containers require higher energy consumption than dry cargo, yet carriers often present widely varying quotes for the same voyages. Shippers and freight forwarders need to empower themselves with the precise tools to understand what standard compliance to EU ETS laws and regulations truly cost.
By partnering with Searoutes, shippers gain access to fine-tuned CO₂e calculation models that offer real-time auditable metrics perfectly suited to assess exposure to EU ETS emissions regulation. Instead of waiting in the dark, clients use this data-informed baseline to plan for certificate purchases and effective mitigation strategies.
2. Optimize Freight Routing to Minimize EU ETS Exposure
Experienced logistics providers know there are many different ways to get cargo from the first to final mile. But already complex deliberations around what route, port, and vessel to use no longer pertain to just delivery times and shipping costs. With bottom lines now subject to compliance costs, the EU ETS incentivizes shippers to select fuel-efficient carriers, choose transportation ports that reduce voyage distance, and avoid routes that involve a higher carbon price impact wherever possible.
Searoutes’ routing API allows shippers to compare carbon outcomes between alternate shipping paths to find their most optimal path. Identify the shortest route available while negotiating what zones to avoid for your vessel’s unique dimensions and departure date–all on one centralized platform to compute costs.
3. Engage Carriers and Logistics Partners on Emissions Accountability
The latest maritime inclusion to the EU ETS framework means that every business in the logistics industry will have to pay rate card prices for their emissions allowances. But shippers can mitigate the risks of noncompliance by seeking collaborations with other logistics service providers, as clients equipped with accurate emissions data will be best prepared to navigate complex freight rate and contract term negotiations. If carriers proactively disclose their emissions data or factor the impact of carbon pricing into tenders, partners in every step of the supply chain can align with the EU ETS framework.
Shippers that utilize Searoutes data outputs can benchmark performances between different carriers and become equipped with information needed to support emissions-informed contract negotiations. Searoutes helps shippers share internal emissions insights with sustainability and finance teams to align procurement and reporting strategies across different sectors of the supply chain.
Searoutes: Your Ally for Actionable Supply Chain Decarbonization in 2025
As global logistics enter a new era of carbon accountability, companies that take proactive steps will be the ones best positioned to navigate the future. The EU ETS framework is a catalyst for more transparent, efficient, and sustainable supply chains by introducing new incentives to the maritime shipping industry. By leveraging Searoutes’ capabilities, clients can keep compliance costs well under control.
Through accurate emissions baselines, optimized routing decisions, and emissions-conscious partnerships, shippers can transform sustainability into competitive advantage. Contact Searoutes today to build smarter and cleaner freight strategies that will keep your company ahead of every regulatory curve.