Status: 2025. The shipping industry is on the brink of change: from 2026, several CO₂-related changes affecting data, processes and contracts will take effect at the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) - with a direct impact on offers, transit times and surcharges. In this guide, we explain what the imo co2 regulations 2026 mean in concrete terms, how CII/EEXI and the IMO DCS are evolving, what will happen with the IMO's new Net Zero framework (technical & pricing mechanism) by the time it comes into force in 2027, and how exporters can streamline their processes in 2026. There's also a checklist, tables, FAQs - plus internal resources from ODS Orient.

Brief overview: What will change in 2026 - and what comes next?

• DCS & SEEMP are getting sharper: From 1 January 2026, ships must report DCS data in increased granularity (incl. transport work). This requires a revised SEEMP Part II incl. Confirmation of Compliance. For existing ships, this must be on board by 1 January 2026; newbuilds from 1 August 2025 will start from delivery.
• CII/EEXI continue - Review Phase 2 starts: Phase 2 of the review of short-term GHG measures (CII/SEEMP/EEXI) begins in 2026. At the same time, the IMO has already adopted CII reduction factors up to 2030 (increasing linearly).
• Net-Zero frame approaching: The IMO has approved a global fuel standard (GFI/GHG intensity) and a global emissions pricing system in principle for 2025 - adoption planned for October 2025, entry into force from 2027. 2026 is therefore a year of preparation for carriers and shippers (data, contracts, IT).

For you as an exporter, this means that 2026 is all about data quality, verification and contract clarity. Prices remain project-dependent - concrete figures only per individual offer.

The building blocks in detail

1) CII/EEXI since 2023 - fundamentals remain, targets increase

The Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) assessment have been in place since 2023; ships are ranked annually in classes (A-E). This will remain valid in 2026 - the screw is getting tighter: stricter CII reduction paths have been defined for 2027-2030 (Z-factors up to 21.5 % in 2030 compared to 2019). Important for shippers: shipping companies optimise routes/speed and can apply CII-related surcharges or operationally adjusted transit times.

2) IMO-DCS & SEEMP: What is actually new from 2026

The IMO's Data Collection System (DCS) has been collecting fuel data from ships ≥ 5,000 GT since 2019. From 2026, the data resolution will be increased (including transport work/"tonne-mile") - for this, shipowners need a revised SEEMP Part II including a new confirmation (CoC). For you, this means more reliable emissions and efficiency data for contract clauses, metrics in RFQs and CO₂ footprints.

Key points for 2026:

• Revised SEEMP Part II must be on board by 1 Jan. 2026 (existing ships).
• Increased DCS granularity applies from 1 Jan. 2026 (still old granularity for 2025).
• SEEMP Part III (CII implementation plan) must be adapted to new CII targets by 31 Dec 2025 - 2026 will then be audited/implemented.

3) IMO Net Zero framework: What will already be noticeable in 2026

The IMO has cleared the way for a global GHG instrument "basket" in 2025: a technical element (global fuel/GHG intensity standard) plus an economic element (global emissions price). Entry into force from 2027, but preparations, piloting and contract conversions are underway in 2026 - CO₂ cost components may appear in tenders as a separate, dynamic item.

What does this mean for exporters in 2026?

1. Transparency in tenders: Request CII ratings, DCS-based emission factors and SEEMP verifications.
2. CO₂ clauses in contracts: Agree adjusters for future GHG pricing regimes, data sources and reporting frequencies.
3. Routes & Speed: Plan buffers, check transshipments, keep timetables up to date.
4. Data quality in the run-up: Precise dimensions, vehicle classes and loading profiles help carriers to meet SEEMP targets.
5. Internal KPI & ESG report: Use the new data sources for consistent Scope 3 reporting.

Table 1 - Roadmap CO₂ rules (2025-2030)

Table description (alt text): Timeline with the most important IMO milestones from 2025 to 2030, including DCS/SEEMP updates in 2026, CII targets by 2030 and the start of the Net Zero framework from 2027.

Table 2 - Impact by stakeholder (2026)

Table description (alt text): Matrix shows what exporters, freight forwarders and shipping companies should each do in 2026 to implement the imo co2 regulations 2026 pragmatically.

Practice: How to use 2026 for competitive advantages

• Comparisons with real emission values: Ask carriers for DCS-based factors and CII rating.
• RFQ with CO₂ module: Inclusion of a CO₂ attachment (data fields, reporting frequency, price formula).
• Route optimisation: Start planning in live schedules and coordinate everything closely with the carrier.
• Stay digitally clean: The digital lead time reduces errors and speeds up approvals.

Checklist: "IMO-ready" in 30 days (export perspective)

• RFQ/contracts supplemented by CO₂ clauses
• Carrier self-declaration on CII rating & SEEMP compliance requested
• Data format defined for emissions report
• Buffer planned in timetables for CII speed adjustments
• ESG KPI defined
• Training briefing for purchasing/logistics
• Price note in quotations: CO₂ component as a separate item
• Document discipline ensured

Image idea (optional)

Illustration: A flowchart "Data pure → (SEEMP II/III + DCS) → CII assessment → Offer CO₂ component → Reporting".

Alt-Text: "Data flow from the ship (DCS/SEEMP) via CII to the offer and ESG evaluation."

Common pitfalls - and how to avoid them in 2026

• "We have CO₂ estimates": 2026 counts verifiable DCS data depth.
• Unclear responsibility: Who delivers CO₂ data - carrier, freight forwarder or data provider?
• Misunderstanding of CII: CII is ship-related and influences speed/ETA.
• Too late to prepare for 2027: 2026 is a test year - 2027 will be operational.

FAQ - short & practical

What exactly are the imo co2 regulations 2026?
2026 DCS requirements increase (more granularity/transport work) and SEEMP Part II with new CoC becomes mandatory. Review phase 2 for CII/SEEMP/EEXI starts at the same time.

Will new IMO CO₂ prices already apply in 2026?
No. The global GHG price and the fuel standard are planned to come into force from 2027; 2026 is the year of preparation and conversion.

What exactly is changing at CII?
The CII targets will be gradually tightened by 2030 (Z-factors). The review will take place in 2026; the 2027-2030 values have been decided.

Which data sources should I include in quotations/contracts?
SEEMP/ DCS as primary source plus CII rating of the vessel used; define reporting frequency.

How will the imo co2 regulations 2026 affect lifetimes?
More speed management for CII optimisation is possible; therefore plan buffers and check timetables regularly.

What does this cost me as a shipper?
This depends on the relation, carrier, fleet technology, data requirements and subsequent CO₂ price formulas. We do not quote specific prices here - we will be happy to provide you with a customised quote.

Conclusion

The imo co2 regulations 2026 are based on three levers: more data (DCS/SEEMP), tighter target paths (CII) and preparation for global CO₂ mechanisms. Providing contracts and RFQs with clear data sources, CO₂ clauses and buffer logic now will reduce friction in 2026 - and will be ready to go in 2027. In practice, this means: check live timetables, clarify data obligations, request quotes with CO₂ module. Start route planning via the timetables in real time and optimise your lead time with the Digital RoRo booking process guide.

Further official source

• IMO - EEXI & CII Overview