The UK ETS Authority is consulting on proposals to include emissions from international voyages to and from UK ports – in addition to the existing plan to cover domestic maritime emissions from 2026.
Under the proposals:
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Ships over 5,000 gross tonnage that are already in scope (e.g. domestic maritime) would also have emissions from international voyages added.
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The scheme would require operators to monitor and report all greenhouse gas emissions, but only 50 % of emissions from each international voyage would need to be surrendered under UK ETS – matching the approach used in the EU Emissions Trading System for international shipping.
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Emissions while ships are in UK ports (at berth) will also be covered, including for voyages that start or end outside the UK.
The consultation seeks feedback on the proposed scope, how the scheme cap should be adjusted to accommodate additional maritime emissions, how the monitoring and reporting regime should work, and potential impacts on the shipping industry and emissions reductions.
This consultation closes on 20 January 2026.
Source: DESNZ.