On 28 June 2013, the European Commission issued a proposal for maritime transport regulation on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from shipping sector. The COM(2013) 480 Proposal was drawn  after a public consultation occurred during 2010 (SWD(2013) 237 final), involving the main stakeholders: private companies, ship-owners, ports operators, trade unions, EU Regional and National public authorities and NGOs.

The Regulation lays down rules for the emissions management of ships arriving at, within or departing from ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State – transport by 1 July 2015 – in order to promote the reduction of CO2 emissions from maritime transport in a cost effective manner.

At present the European Emissions Trading System includes the most energy-intensive industries and aviation. The extension of the system to the maritime sector would significantly broaden the binding system to reduce GHG emissions in Europe.