0122-F/TC >(REGIONAL REQUIREMENTS) UK ETS: Consultation on the extension to the maritime sector

UK ETS

CONSULTATION ON THE EXTENSION TO THE MARITIME SECTOR

The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) is set to commence in January 2026. Similar to the EU ETS, it will primarily apply to domestic voyages.

However, there is an important exception also affecting bulk carriers’ vessels calling at UK ports:

• Emissions at berth for any vessels calling in the UK will be covered even if the voyages are not domestic.

To comply, international ship operators with vessels of 5,000 GT or above calling at UK ports will be required to establish:

• UK MRV (Monitoring, Reporting & Verification) systems
• Compliance plans
• Maritime Operator Holding Accounts (MOHA)

This will impose a significant and disproportionate administrative burden on ship operators, government agencies, and regulators.

UK ETS Consultation – Open Until 23 January

Members may wish to respond individually to the ongoing consultation on the UK ETS maritime extension. Relevant sections include:

• Questions 25–28 & 34: Administrative aspects
• Questions 47–49: Coverage of international voyages

The consultation is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/uk-ets-scope-expansion-maritime-sector

UK Chamber of Shipping Letter & Consultation Response

Should you wish to provide input or support these efforts, you may wish to review the attached documents.

• The UK Chamber of Shipping has drafted a response to the consultation, currently under review by its members (see enclosed).
• Additionally, the Chamber has prepared a letter to the UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Secretary of State for Transport, emphasizing the need for alignment between the UK ETS and future IMO measures (see enclosed).

Kind regards

Emmanuel VergetisDraft ETS letter_UKCOS UK ETS – UKCoS Draft Response