Background
Following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union, the EU Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (EU MRV) Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2015/757) ceased to apply to the UK as an EU Member State. The UK subsequently retained a separate UK MRV framework under domestic legislation, requiring the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from ships of 5,000 gross tonnage (GT) and above operating on voyages to, from, between and within UK ports.
The UK MRV regime was subsequently revoked with effect from 3 April 2026 under the Merchant Shipping (Monitoring, Reporting and Verification of Carbon Dioxide Emissions) (Revocation) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/245), in preparation for the expansion of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) to the maritime sector.
The UK ETS Maritime framework entered into force on 1 July 2026, introducing a new regulatory framework for the monitoring, reporting and verification of maritime greenhouse gas emissions.
Transitional and residual UK MRV obligations
Although the UK MRV regime has been revoked, certain residual verification obligations remain applicable to historical emissions data collected under the former framework.
In particular:
- Emissions data covering the period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025, where applicable, remain subject to verification in accordance with the relevant legacy UK MRV requirements.
- Emissions data covering the period from 1 January 2026 to 2 April 2026 must still be monitored and verified in accordance with the applicable legacy UK MRV requirements.
- The deadline for completing the verification of emissions data covering the period from 1 January 2026 to 2 April 2026 is 30 April 2027.
- Annual Emissions Reports (AERs) for reporting years 2025 and 2026 are not expected to be submitted to the UK Administration under the former UK MRV framework.
Ship operators and other relevant stakeholders should consult the applicable UK regulatory provisions and official guidance regarding any outstanding obligations.
Why DromonClass
DromonClass provides greenhouse gas emissions verification services under the applicable accredited schemes and regulatory frameworks.
Our existing expertise and accredited activities in EU MRV, EU ETS Maritime and IMO DCS enable us to support ship operators in addressing their emissions verification obligations through an integrated and coordinated approach, where applicable.
DromonClass is currently progressing with the extension of its UKAS accreditation scope for the verification of emissions reports under the UK ETS Maritime framework.
Our approach aims to facilitate efficient verification through the coordinated use of relevant data sources, technical expertise and verification procedures, while ensuring that each applicable regulatory scheme is addressed in accordance with its specific requirements.
For further information regarding our verification services, please contact our Environmental Division.
