Expanding the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to International Maritime Emissions in International Shipping News , Shipping: Emission Possible 23/05/2026 The United Kingdom Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) came into effect in 2021 to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from key sectors in support of the UK’s 2050 net-zero target. The scheme caps total emissions across designated sectors, requiring one allowance to be surrendered per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emitted, with the cap reduced annually to drive decarbonization. Maritime shipping was not part of the original scheme. In 2023, the UK ETS Authority announced it would expand the scheme to include domestic shipping beginning in 2026, covering emissions from vessels of 5,000 gross tonnage (GT) or more when at berth, at anchor, or traveling between UK ports. The UK government is also considering extending coverage to international voyages originating or ending in the United Kingdom—an option the ICCT supports and encourages, and which this analysis is designed to inform. The 2026 scope covers just 15% of UK-related shipping emissions. In 2025, the European Commission and UK government announced negotiations to link the EU ETS and UK ETS, signaling interest in aligning allowances and carbon prices—a step that could significantly expand coverage. But as this analysis shows, there is considerably more that can and should be done. 2026 UK ETS scope covers only 15% of emissions In 2023, ships sailing on UK-related voyages emitted 16.4 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2e. Vessels of 5,000 GT or more emitted nearly 80% of total CO2e, mostly during voyages between UK and international ports. Vessels under 5,000 GT emitted the remaining 20%. The 2026 UK ETS scope — in-port and domestic voyages from ships ≥ 5,000 GT — covers just 2.5 Mt, or 15% of total emissions. Voyages between the United Kingdom and international ports account for 12.1 Mt—the largest share by far, but fall outside of current UK ETS coverage. In-Po