UK ETS for shipping: scope, cost and deadlines
The UK ETS covers domestic voyages and port time from 1 July 2026. See which voyages count and what a ship's UK allowances cost.
Updated 2026-10-20
Calculate
What changed on 1 July 2026
The UK Emissions Trading Scheme was extended to maritime transport by the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Maritime Activities) Order 2026, SI 2026/392. From 1 July 2026 ships of 5,000 GT and above are covered for their domestic voyages and their time in UK ports.
Scope
| Voyage or activity | Share surrendered |
|---|---|
| Between two UK ports, without calling outside the UK | 100% |
| Between Great Britain and Northern Ireland | 50% |
| In UK ports: at berth, at anchor and moving in port | 100% |
| International voyages to or from the UK | Not covered |
Ships operating a Scottish ferry service, government and armed-service ships, fishing and research ships are excluded, and offshore ships are excluded until the end of 2026. CO₂, methane and nitrous oxide count from the start, with the same warming factors as the EU ETS.
Deadlines
| Emissions year | Verified report | Surrender |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (from 1 July) | 31 March 2027 | 30 April 2028 |
| 2027 onwards | 31 March of the next year | 30 April of the next year |
EU ETS and UK ETS together
A voyage from a UK port to an EU port is outside the UK ETS but counts at 50% in the EU ETS. A ship trading round the North Sea can be in both schemes in the same year, for different legs. The calculator below takes the share of fuel in each; the EU ETS calculator explains the EU side. UK allowances are priced in pounds; the default here is £40 at €1.15 per pound.
Questions
When did the UK ETS start for shipping?
On 1 July 2026, under SI 2026/392.
Does the UK ETS cover international voyages?
No. It covers voyages between UK ports and time in UK ports. Voyages between Great Britain and Northern Ireland count at 50%.
When are UK allowances for 2026 due?
By 30 April 2028. From the 2027 emissions year they are due by 30 April of the next year.
Does the UK ETS cover methane?
Yes, CO₂, methane and nitrous oxide from the start.
Can a ship be in the EU ETS and the UK ETS?
Yes, for different voyages in the same year. A UK–EU voyage is in the EU ETS at 50% and outside the UK ETS.
EU ETS, FuelEU, CII and UK ETS for each ship, from the public register or your own data, with the reports for owners, charterers and lenders.