GHG ETS Maritime Extension Regulations 2026

The UK Government has enacted Statutory Instrument 2026 No. 392 to extend the existing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme to cover maritime transport activities. This extension captures vessels performing voyages to, from, and within UK ports, requiring operators to monitor their emissions and participate in the cap-and-trade system. The regulation applies thresholds based on vessel size and voyage type.

Maritime operators must assess their fleet composition and determine which vessels fall within the scope of the scheme. Affected entities will need to register with the appropriate regulatory body, implement emissions monitoring procedures, and submit verified emissions reports. Non-compliance may result in financial penalties calculated per tonne of unreported emissions. Operators should begin preparing monitoring plans and establishing internal compliance frameworks ahead of the compliance deadline.