Expanding the UK Maritime ETS to drive sustainable innovation
Consultation response | January 2026
Introduction
The SASHA Coalition responded to the UK Department for Net Zero and Energy Security consultation on expanding the UK emissions trading scheme (ETS) to cover emissions from international shipping. From 1 January 2026 domestic UK shipping emissions (from voyages between UK ports) came into the ETS scope, but emissions from international voyages (between UK and non-UK ports) are not covered.
Our recommendations
The SASHA Coalition’s response to the UK consultation:
Expressed support for the extension of the UK emissions trading scheme (ETS) to cover 50% of emissions from international voyages.
Urged the extension of the ETS to international emissions to be brought forward to 2027 from the recommended introduction date of 1 January 2028.
Supported the notion of covering emissions from offshore ships.
Urged the government to go further and include in the ETS scope emissions from vessels between 400 and 5,000 gross tonnage (GT), which are currently exempt from the ETS.
Noted that vessels between 400-5,000 GT are responsible for half of the UK’s domestic maritime emissions, and are best placed to adopt new sustainable maritime technologies with the right policy incentives.
Encouraged the government to introduce an ambitious domestic fuel regulation, as promised in the 2025 Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy.
