LinkedIn
WeChat
As part of a series of ongoing regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in shipping, the United Kingdom has now confirmed the extension of its Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) to domestic maritime activities, effective 1st July 2026.
This measure aligns in principle with the cap and trade structure already in place under the EU ETS. Under this system, emissions are capped and operators are required to surrender allowances corresponding to verified emissions.
From 1st July 2026, the UK ETS will apply to domestic maritime activities, specifically:
- Voyages between UK ports (domestic voyages)
- 100% of emissions generated while vessels are in UK ports, including at berth and anchorage
The regulation will apply to vessels of 5,000 gross tonnage and above and is expected to cover CO₂, with the framework also designed to include methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) over time. At this stage, international voyages between the UK and non UK ports are not included in the scheme, although this remains under consideration and may be introduced in the future.
For customers, the introduction of UK ETS will be reflected through Maersk’s existing emission surcharge structure, in line with how we already manage compliance costs for EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime regulation. These surcharges ensure transparency and alignment with regulatory requirements.
The emission surcharge will apply as follows:
- Intra-UK shipments: UK ETS only
- UK ↔ World (excluding EU): UK ETS only
- UK ↔ EU: Combined coverage of EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, and UK ETS
Surcharge mechanisms will continue to follow existing models:
- ESS (Emission Surcharge System) applies to Spot bookings and contracts with validity up to 31 days
- EMS (Emission Management Surcharge) applies to contracts exceeding 31 days
Updated emission surcharge levels, including the impact of UK ETS, will be published quarterly starting from Q3 2026 and adjusted in line with market developments.
For customers shipping from China, emission-related costs will continue to be incorporated into the base freight rate, which will also be reviewed and adjusted quarterly.
For ECO Delivery products, the emission surcharge will apply proportionally to the fossil fuel share within the selected solution. Find out more here.
We recommend that customers take note of this regulatory change and factor it into planning for UK domestic and UK connected supply chains from July 2026 onward. Maersk will continue to monitor developments, particularly regarding any future inclusion of international maritime emissions, and will provide further updates as clarity emerges.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Maersk representative if you have any questions, and click the following links for more information: UK ETS, EU ETS, Fuel EU
NOTE: Maersk defines “reduced GHG -emission fuels” as fuels achieving at least 65% lifecycle GHG reduction compared to fossil fuels (baseline: 94 gCO₂e/MJ).