Background
The United Kingdom Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) has been extended to the maritime sector, introducing requirements for monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of greenhouse gas emissions from applicable maritime activities.
The scheme applies from 1 July 2026 to ships of 5,000 gross tonnage (GT) and above undertaking activities within its scope, including applicable voyages between UK ports and emissions generated during in-port activities.
The UK ETS Maritime framework covers carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), with emissions expressed in CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e), in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements.
Key requirements under UK ETS Maritime
The UK ETS Maritime framework introduces obligations for maritime operators, including:
- Identification of the entity responsible for compliance with UK ETS obligations as the maritime operator.
- Preparation and submission of an operator-level Emissions Monitoring Plan (EMP) to the competent authority within the applicable timeframe.
- Monitoring and recording of greenhouse gas emissions arising from applicable maritime activities in accordance with the approved EMP.
- Preparation of an Annual Emissions Report (AER) covering the relevant scheme year.
- Independent verification of the Annual Emissions Report by a verifier accredited by UKAS for the applicable scope.
- Submission of the verified Annual Emissions Report through the Manage your Emissions Trading Scheme reporting service (METS) by 31 March following the relevant scheme year.
- Surrender of the required UK ETS allowances by the applicable statutory deadline.
The first scheme year runs from 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2026. From 2027 onwards, the scheme year corresponds to the calendar year.
Verification under UK ETS Maritime
Verification is conducted in accordance with the applicable UK ETS legislation, accreditation requirements and relevant regulatory guidance.
The verification process includes the assessment of the completeness, accuracy and consistency of reported emissions data, the evaluation of the applicable monitoring arrangements and supporting evidence, and the determination of whether the Annual Emissions Report is free from material misstatement.
The verification process also includes an assessment of the maritime operator’s monitoring arrangements, relevant data sources, fuel consumption records, emissions calculations and applicable reporting requirements.
Why DromonClass
DromonClass provides greenhouse gas emissions verification services under internationally recognised standards and applicable regulatory frameworks.
Our experience in EU MRV, EU ETS Maritime and IMO DCS enables us to support maritime operators through an integrated approach to emissions verification, facilitating the coordinated use of relevant data sources and technical expertise while addressing the requirements of each applicable scheme.
DromonClass is currently progressing with the extension of its UKAS accreditation scope for the verification of emissions reports under UK ETS Maritime.
Our objective is to provide reliable, independent and technically robust verification services, supporting maritime operators in meeting their regulatory obligations and ensuring confidence in their reported emissions data.
Further information
For further information regarding UK ETS Maritime verification services, please contact our Environmental Division.
For detailed information on regulatory requirements, please refer to the official UK Government guidance: