Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced revised Europe Environment Surcharge (EES) rates for the fourth quarter of 2026, with the new charges taking effect from October 1 through December 31, 2026.
The surcharge is linked to the environmental compliance costs associated with the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the United Kingdom Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS).
Surcharge Applies Across Europe Trades
ONE said the Q4 EES will apply to cargo moving to and from Europe, including shipments involving the United Kingdom and European Union.
The carrier reviews the surcharge on a quarterly basis and may revise the applicable amounts depending on changes in emissions allowance costs and regulatory requirements.
The updated surcharge also covers FMC-regulated trades and shipments involving Canada, according to the carrier’s latest notice.
UK ETS Drives Higher Compliance Exposure
A key factor behind the surcharge structure is the expansion of the UK ETS. From July 1, 2026, shipping companies are required to surrender UK Allowances covering 100% of verified greenhouse-gas emissions within the scheme.
This represents a significant increase in compliance exposure compared with the previous phase of the programme and increases the environmental costs associated with UK-related container movements.
EU ETS Reaches Full Phase-In
The EU ETS also reached its full surrender requirement at the beginning of 2026. Shipping companies are now required to surrender allowances for 100% of covered emissions, compared with 70% in 2025.
The EU system’s maritime scope also includes emissions from methane and nitrous oxide, in addition to carbon dioxide, further broadening carriers’ regulatory exposure.
Additional Cost for Shippers
The EES forms part of the growing range of environmental-related charges being passed through the container shipping industry as carbon-pricing regulations expand.
For shippers moving cargo on Europe-related routes, the quarterly adjustment means that environmental compliance costs can change periodically alongside emissions allowance prices and regulatory requirements.
ONE introduced its Europe Environment Surcharge in January 2025 as carriers faced increasing obligations under European emissions regulations. The latest revision reflects the continuing expansion of those requirements.
Impact on European Supply Chains
The latest surcharge update comes as container carriers continue to adapt pricing structures to account for decarbonisation costs.
As the EU and UK emissions schemes become increasingly comprehensive, carriers are expected to continue adjusting environmental surcharges to reflect their compliance costs. For exporters and importers, these charges add another variable to the overall cost of ocean transportation on Europe-related trades.
ONE’s Q4 2026 revision will therefore remain in effect from October 1 to December 31, subject to any subsequent adjustment announced by the carrier.