Following recent rounds of discussions with UK authorities and industry stakeholders, one point has become clear: the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) for maritime will go live. The working implementation date is 1 July 2026, and shipping companies should now prepare for an additional layer of carbon-pricing obligations alongside EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime.
This article sets out the current UK ETS framework as communicated to industry ahead of the July 2026 introduction.
1. Start Date and Initial Scope
Start Date
The UK intends to launch maritime inclusion on 1 July 2026.
While several implementation details are still being finalised, the date has been communicated consistently.
Initial Scope
The first phase will focus on a limited set of activities:
Intra-UK voyages between UK ports
Selected exemptions, still under definition
Port stays in UK ports, which the UK classifies as intra-UK voyages for the purposes of UK ETS obligations
This narrowed starting point is intended to support a smoother introduction of the scheme.
2. Port Stays: A Defined Source of UKA Obligations
Recent discussions have confirmed that:
Port stays in the UK will be treated as intra-UK voyages and therefore generate UK Allowance (UKA) obligations.
This applies to vessels calling at UK ports regardless of their wider trading pattern.
3. Outlook: A Phased and Evolving System
While the first phase is limited in scope, several points have been highlighted in recent exchanges with authorities:
Some implementation details remain under development, and further guidance should be expected.
A bumpy start is possible, as processes and procedures may not be fully aligned initially.
The UK seeks alignment with the EU ETS, but no integration is planned at this stage.
This phased approach reflects the UK’s intention to introduce maritime into its ETS in a controlled and manageable way.
4. Voyages to and from UK Ports
Industry discussions indicate that, once the limited domestic rollout is established, the UK intends to address the treatment of voyages to and from UK ports.
While no final decision has been published, the expectation is that this would follow in a second stage, similar in structure to the approach used in EU ETS.
Such an expansion would significantly increase the commercial and operational impact of UK ETS for a larger share of the global fleet.
5. Implications for Shipowners, Managers, and Charterers
UK ETS will introduce an additional layer of commercial and operational responsibility in key areas:
Cost allocation
Forecasting and exposure management
Settlement processes
Operational definitions, particularly around port stays and qualifying voyages
To manage these obligations effectively, operators will require structured internal workflows that can support UK ETS alongside EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime.
6. How OceanScore Supports UK ETS Readiness
OceanScore’s Compliance Manager already provides structured commercial workflows for:
EU ETS
FuelEU Maritime
UK ETS will be integrated into the platform, enabling users to manage all three systems through a consistent data foundation, transparent processes, and reliable cost allocation. This will reduce the administrative complexity and support commercially sound decision-making as UK ETS evolves.
Conclusion
The UK’s introduction of maritime into its Emissions Trading Scheme marks another significant step in regional carbon-pricing regulation.
With a 1 July 2026 start date and an initially limited scope, now is the time for shipping companies to prepare their operational, commercial, and data processes.
OceanScore will continue to follow developments closely and support the industry as UK ETS guidance becomes more specific.
