The UK government has published detailed guidance to help shipping companies comply with the maritime extension of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS), which takes effect from 1 July 2026.
Under the scheme, maritime operators will be required to monitor, report and verify greenhouse gas emissions from domestic UK voyages and in-port activities involving ships of 5,000 gross tonnes or more. The guidance sets out requirements for emissions monitoring plans, annual emissions reporting, allowance surrender obligations and verification procedures.
The first compliance period will run from 1 July to 31 December 2026. Operators must submit verified emissions reports by 31 March and surrender emissions allowances by 30 April 2028 for both the 2026 and 2027 scheme years.
The guidance was published by the Environment Agency on 22 June 202
