The MRV Regulation currently mandates the monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of greenhouse gas emissions from large ships (5,000 gross tonnage or more) calling at EU/EEA ports, with the scope expanding to include offshore ships and general cargo ships of 400 GT and above.

The European Commission has published a report reviewing the possible extension of the MRV Regulation (2015/757) to vessels between 400 and 4,999 GT, which includes certain larger yachts.

These smaller ships represent 42% of the fleet covered by MRV but account for only 9% of CO₂ emissions. The report concludes that while expanding the scope could help improve energy efficiency, the direct environmental benefits would be limited, and administrative costs would be disproportionately high. As a result, the overall Social Net Present Value (NPV) of such an extension is negative. Specifically,

The Commission notes that more meaningful benefits could emerge if these vessels were integrated into broader climate policies such as the EU ETS or FuelEU Maritime in the future. This will be assessed further as part of the 2026 review of the EU ETS Directive.

Yachts above 400 GT, especially those used commercially, may therefore be affected by future policy changes. EBI will continue following the discussions closely and advocate for proportional and appropriate treatment of the recreational boating sector.

Find the report here.