The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK-ETS) will be expanded to include the shipping sector, starting on 1 July 2026. As a result, regardless of the Flag state, ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above calling at ports under UK jurisdiction will be required to surrender allowances corresponding to their annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The UK Government has recently issued the Main Authority Response outlining the key policy decisions, which was further explained during a government-hosted webinar on 8 December. The formal regulations reflecting these decisions are expected to be published in due course.

For full details ref Class NK Technical Circular