From 1 January 2026, stricter climate regulations from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) will come into force. These relate in particular to CO₂ efficiency, emissions transparency and preparation for global pricing mechanisms. For exporters, this means more data, more responsibility – and more planning effort.
Key elements include stricter CII targets for 2027–2030, new auditing and reporting requirements, and initial market instruments for CO₂ pricing. Those who set the right course today will ensure operational stability and strengthen their own sustainability balance sheet.
Assess the technical efficiency of existing ships, for example through power limitation or optimisations to the hull.
Measures annual CO₂ intensity in gCO₂ per tonne-kilometre. Shipping companies must gradually improve their fleets. Poor ratings (D or E) require improvement.
Energy management plan at ship level with CII monitoring and catalogue of measures in case of deviations.
Collects operational data on fuel consumption and emission factors as a basis for audits and reports.
Political and technical framework for the introduction of fuel standards and pricing elements from 2028 onwards.
Offers increasingly include CO₂ figures such as gCO₂/tkm or well-to-wake values. Check:
Driving more slowly to increase efficiency may result in changed ETAs. Recommendation:
In addition to the standard documentation, RoRo transports require:
Notes:
What do I need to bear in mind for a RoRo shipment?
| scenario | setup | CO₂ transparency | Risk | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| base | 1 carrier, fixed ETD | rudimentary (PDF) | high | Plan A/B departures |
| Advanced | 2 carriers, flexible windows | standardised (gCO₂/tkm) | moderate | Define KPIs in RFQ |
| leader | Multi-carrier, CO₂ target | granular (WtW, IMO) | low | Use bonus/penalty clauses |
What specifically will change from 2026 onwards?
More binding CII requirements, stricter audits and more emissions data in tenders.
As an exporter, do I have to report to the IMO myself?
No, but you should request and document CO₂ KPIs (Scope 3).
Will freight rates rise as a result of the new rules?
Additional CO₂ costs possible, exact figures only available on quotation basis.
What is the difference between EEXI and CII?
EEXI measures technical efficiency, CII measures operational CO₂ intensity.
Are there any additional regional regulations?
Yes, e.g. EU ETS or FuelEU Maritime depending on the route.
The IMO CO₂ regulations for 2026 bring more responsibility, but also more controllability. Those who use CO₂ data intelligently, create flexibility in logistics and enforce gate-ready standards will remain able to deliver – even with dynamic CII adjustments.
Plan ahead, rely on transparent partners and secure reliable CO₂ data for a sustainable export business.
Disclaimer: All information in this article has been carefully researched but is subject to change at any time. ODS Orient accepts no liability for the topicality, accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
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Why 2026 will be a turning point From 1 January 2026, stricter climate regulations from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) will come into force. These relate in particular to CO₂ efficiency, emissions transparency and preparation for global pricing mechanisms. For exporters, this means more data, more responsibility – and more planning. Key elements include stricter CII targets for 2027–2030, new testing and reporting requirements, and […]
