Environmental Charge
What is the Environmental charge / IMO Sulphur Directive & European Union’s Emissions Trading System?
In line with the ambition to make the shipping industry more environmentally friendly and to reduce harmful air emissions, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO - the regulatory authority for international shipping) has implemented EU Directive EU 2016/802, to deliver a significant reduction in the sulphur content of the fuel oil used by ships, with a cap of 0.5% sulphur in the fuel or equivalent solutions.
Furthermore, since January 2024, the European Union has implemented the Emissions Trading System (ETS), designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions effectively while encouraging sustainable practices. It sets a cap on the total amount of CO2 that can be emitted by participating companies and covers CO2 emissions from all large ships entering EU ports and therefore will impact all Irish Ferries journeys from this date.
Irish Ferries Environmental charge contributes to the cost of compliance to meet the IMO 2020 sulphur directive and the European Union Emissions Trading System (ETS). The fee is a fixed amount as follows (each way):
Ireland – France route (all bookings):
- Adult €11.00
- Child (4-15 years) €5.50
- Vehicle charge (including motorbikes) €62 – for travel from Jan 2025
Irish Sea routes (motorist booking):
- Adult €4.00 / £4.00
- Child (4-15 years) €2.00 / £2.00
- Vehicle charge (including motorbikes) €16/£14 – for travel from February 2025
Irish Sea routes (foot / cyclist / booking):
- Adult €1.50 / £1.50
- Child (4-15 years) €1.50 / £1.50
Dover Calais route (motorist booking):
- Vehicle charge (including motorbikes) £4/€4 - travel from 1 Jan 2025
NOTE: Charges, administrative fees & dues are fixed amounts and are excluded from discounts and promotional offers.
