EU Exception Benefits Cruises in Madeira and Outermost Regions

Cruises operating on routes between Madeira and other outermost regions of the European Union will benefit from the exception provided for in FuelEU Maritime Regulation 2023/1805, which significantly reduces compliance costs for shipping companies operating on the affected routes under the rule.

Under the EU ETS, shipping companies are required to acquire emission allowances corresponding to the greenhouse gas emissions generated by their vessels. As a result of this exception, cruise voyages between ports in Madeira and other outermost regions of the EU are exempt from the FuelEU Maritime requirements regarding the energy used during such voyages and while vessels are at berth in the ports covered by the measure.

Likewise, these services benefit from the specific provisions established in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), contributing to safeguarding the competitiveness of ports in the outermost regions during the energy transition.

The achievement was made after official transposition by Portugal, published by the European Commission, which applies retroactively from January 1, 2026, and will remain in force until the end of 2029, and is the result of efforts led by Apram (Ports of Madeira), under the Regional Secretariat for Economy, in close collaboration with the Directorate General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services (DGRM) of Portugal.

"The approval of this exception is the result of extensive technical and institutional work carried out by Apram, in close collaboration with the DGRM, with Portuguese authorities and European institutions," stated Paula Cabaço, President of Apram.

"We have been able to demonstrate that the specific characteristics of the EU's outermost regions require a differentiated approach, ensuring that the energy transition does not harm the competitiveness of our ports or the continuity of essential maritime connections," added Cabaço.

"This is an important achievement that reinforces Madeira's competitiveness as a cruise destination, while also benefiting the Azores, as the exception covers Portugal's two outermost regions. It clearly demonstrates how the technical work carried out by Apram, together with the DGRM and Portuguese and European authorities, can offer practical solutions with tangible benefits for the maritime and port sector," added Cabaço.

The European Commission has also published, on the same schedule, equivalent exceptions for regular passenger ferry services operating between Madeira and Porto Santo, as well as for inter-island passenger services in the Azores. This regulatory framework also creates favorable conditions for the future development of regular passenger connections between Madeira and the Azores.