Expansion of EU Emissions Trading Scheme through inclusion of maritime transport

This study analyses the legal and technical feasibility of including international maritime transport in the European Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Three options concerning the coverage of maritime emissions based on a last period prior to the port of call; the last distance travelled prior to the port of call; and the distance the cargo has travelled were assessed and compared according to environmental effectiveness and legal feasibility. Furthermore, the economic effects of the integration of international seaborne greenhouse gas emissions into the EU ETS were analyzed. Different options to set the cap were elaborated taking into account the significance of seaborne greenhouse gas emissions and the options to curb emissions at relatively low costs.