Environmental Initiatives

The Emissions Trading System (ETS) is a market-based approach implemented by the European Union, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions effectively while encouraging sustainable practices.

It follows a "cap-and-trade" approach, setting a cap on the total amount of CO2 that can be emitted by participating companies. This cap decreases each year, providing a clear trajectory towards reducing emissions.

From January 2024, ETS will be extended to cover CO2 emissions from all large ships entering EU ports and therefor will impact all DFDS journeys from this date.

At DFDS, we understand the importance of addressing climate change and are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact and complying with environmental regulations.

To comply with the ETS, we will introduce an 'ETS Surcharge' on all journeys starting from January 2024. This surcharge, which reflects the cost of CO2 produced as determined by the ETS, will be shared between our freight customers and passengers on ROPAX (Roll-on/Roll-off Passenger) vessels based on expected volumes.

By introducing this ETS Surcharge, DFDS aims to ensure transparency and share the responsibility of combatting climate change with its customers, while continuing to provide reliable transportation services.

We want to assure our customers that the surcharge we have implemented is not a means for us to generate profit. Instead, it is a mechanism by which we pass through funds to support the ETS.

The ETS surcharge will be calculated based on several factors to ensure a fair and transparent approach. Our calculations take into account the expected split between freight and passenger travel, the expected volume of passengers, the anticipated CO2 emissions, and the projected cost per CO2 ton as determined by the ETS.

The ETS Surcharge will apply to all Vehicle Transportation and Mini Cruise customers however Bicycles are excluded.

The ETS Surcharge collected by DFDS will be directly passed on to the EU as part of its ETS payment. These funds support environmental programs and initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and transitioning towards a more sustainable future. Find out more.

At DFDS, we're leading the way in decarbonising our operations and minimising our environmental impact. Our efforts in building a sustainable future include:

• Investing in cleaner technologies: We continuously invest in state-of-the-art vessels and onboard technologies that reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.

• Optimising vessel performance: Through meticulous route planning, streamlined operations, and advanced engineering, we maximise vessel performance, minimising fuel consumption and emissions.

• Exploring alternative fuels: DFDS actively explores and tests alternative fuels, such as biofuels and hydrogen, to reduce our reliance on traditional fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.

DFDS has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon emissions. We aim to achieve a 45% reduction in CO2 emissions per transported unit by 2030 and become climate-neutral by 2050.

Absolutely! As a customer, you can support DFDS's decarbonisation efforts by opting for our carbon offset programs when booking your trip. As a valued customer, your contribution plays a critical role in supporting decarbonisation efforts across the globe. Together, we can make a significant collective impact.

The ETS and carbon offsetting are both mechanisms aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but they differ in their approach and scope.

ETS focuses on regulating and reducing emissions within specific sectors and regions by setting caps and trading emission allowances, while carbon offsetting allows for the compensation of emissions by investing in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gases.

Both ETS and carbon offsetting contribute to overall emission reduction efforts, with ETS targeting specific industries and carbon offsetting providing additional flexibility and opportunities for emission reductions in various sectors.

Please note that these answers provide a general understanding of ETS, its impact, and DFDS's commitment to decarbonisation. For more detailed information on ETS, please click here.