ONE updates its Europe Environment Surcharge to include UK ETS compliance, confirming the tariff for Q4 2026 and enhancing transparency for shippers.
Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd. (ONE) has announced an update to its Europe Environment Surcharge (EES), extending its scope to cover United Kingdom Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) obligations and confirming the applicable tariff for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The EES was implemented on January 1, 2025, to align ONE's operations with evolving environmental regulatory standards across European trades. Since its introduction, the surcharge has provided a transparent mechanism for allocating carbon compliance costs, giving cargo owners clear visibility into the regulatory components that shape their freight expenses.
Effective July 1, 2026, ONE commenced the mandatory surrender of United Kingdom Allowances (UKAs) for 100 percent of its verified greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions falling within the regulatory scope of the newly expanded UK ETS. As a result, EES coverage now applies to all cargo moving into and out of the United Kingdom.
To streamline billing and maintain transparency, the existing EES has been adjusted to incorporate the UK ETS portion alongside the current EU ETS and Fuel EU Maritime cost components. This consolidation gives shippers a single, coherent surcharge line that reflects the full range of applicable carbon compliance obligations rather than a series of separate charges.
The update coincides with a significant shift in European carbon regulation. Starting January 1, 2026, the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) entered its full compliance phase. The mandatory surrender of European Union Allowances (EUAs) expanded from 70 percent of verified emissions in 2025 to 100 percent within the regulatory scope.
This expansion also broadens the range of emissions that must be accounted for. Emissions reporting now includes two additional potent greenhouse gases – methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) – alongside carbon dioxide. For cargo owners, the change underscores the growing financial burden of maritime carbon compliance and the value of a surcharge structure that precisely isolates these costs.
ONE has confirmed the applicable EES tariff for the period from October 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. In keeping with the company's commitment to regulatory compliance and cost transparency, EES tariffs are reviewed quarterly and remain subject to change with prior notice. Specific tariff details for the upcoming quarter are published alongside this announcement.
The surcharge continues to apply to all contracts. One exception applies: export cargo from China is not subject to the EES surcharge. For those shipments, the EES portion is incorporated and considered as part of the freight rate.
ONE remains fully compliant with, and strongly supportive of, the latest regulatory requirements aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By consolidating UK ETS, EU ETS, and Fuel EU Maritime costs into a single, clearly defined surcharge, the company reinforces its dual commitment to environmental responsibility and the cost clarity that cargo owners depend on to plan with confidence.
