The UK Chamber of Shipping has reacted to inclusion of shipping in domestic emissions trading scheme (ETS). From 2026 domestic shipping will be included in the UK’s Emission Trading Scheme. The scheme will apply to vessels of 5000 gr and above.
The UK Chamber has called for funds raised from the inclusion of domestic shipping in the UK’s Emission Trading Scheme to help not hinder the drive to net zero.
The UK government has announced that the UK ETS will be extended to cover more sectors such as the domestic maritime transport from 2026 and waste from 2028, while rolling out a phased removal of free carbon allowances for the aviation industry in 2026 and supporting investment in new greenhouse gas removal technologies.
Reacting to the news that from 2026 domestic shipping will be included in the UK’s emission trading scheme, a UK Chamber of Shipping spokesperson said:
“This announcement is a significant step forward in the journey to reach net zero emissions from domestic shipping in the UK, although international agreements remain the best way to deliver lasting change across the sector.”
The UK Chamber of Shipping spokesperson also added that “It is important that as the details of the scheme become clear it helps, rather than hinders, the drive towards net zero. This means ETS funds raised from domestic shipping must be used to aid the transition to net zero for the sector. This should include supporting the development of zero-emission vessels, fuels and technology and associated port infrastructure.”
