The European Commission has released Implementing Decision 2025/2452, publishing an updated list of shipping companies assigned to EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) Administering Authorities (AAs). Based on the latest data from the European Maritime Safety Agency’s Thetis-MRV platform, the revised list will come into force on 1 January 2026 and is a key step in ensuring continued compliance as EU ETS obligations for the maritime sector expand.
Role of Administering Authorities Under EU ETS
Since 1 January 2024, shipping companies operating under the scope of the EU ETS have been required to report annual emissions through an assigned Administering Authority from an EU Member State. The AA acts as the primary regulatory interface, enabling companies to meet monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) obligations.
Once assigned, an AA remains unchanged regardless of alterations in a company’s operational activity or registration until a new official list is published. According to the Commission, the list will be updated every two years after 1 February 2026 to reflect changes such as company re-registration within the EU or the addition of newly in-scope shipping companies. From 1 February 2028, and every four years thereafter, the list will also reassign non-EU-registered companies to appropriate authorities.
What Shipping Companies Should Do Next
Shipping companies falling under EU ETS are advised to verify their assigned AA against the newly published list. If a change in administering authority has occurred, immediate engagement with the new AA is recommended. This includes confirming whether EU ETS compliance responsibility has been contractually delegated from the shipowner to the ISM company, sharing the mandate where applicable.
Companies should also inform the AA of the vessels under their compliance responsibility, discuss whether ship monitoring plans require re-approval, and determine the steps needed to open or update a Maritime Operator Holding Account (MOHA). Any future changes in fleet composition must be promptly communicated to the assigned authority to avoid compliance risks.
The updated EU ETS Administering Authorities list underscores the European Commission’s push for regulatory clarity and effective emissions oversight in the maritime sector. With the new assignments taking effect from January 2026, shipping companies should proactively review their status, engage with their designated authorities, and ensure all reporting, monitoring, and account requirements are in place to maintain uninterrupted compliance under the evolving EU ETS framework.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free — Click here to Subscribe!
Source: LR
