15 July 2026

Since 1 July 2026, the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) includes domestic maritime transport. This means that shipping companies operating in and around UK waters need to comply with the UK ETS. What changes and how can shipping companies ensure compliance?

What changes under UK ETS?

The UK ETS is one of the UK’s flagship decarbonisation policy instruments. The scheme sets a cap on UK emissions and places a price on them. These measures aim to tip the balance between producing carbon emissions, and using or investing in lower carbon technology. Heavy industry, power and aviation sectors were already subject to the regulatory demands, and now the maritime sector follows suit.

For maritime operators, UK ETS will influence voyage planning, operational decision-making, cost management and the way shore-based teams and bridge crews work together. Qualifying ships will need to monitor, report and verify emissions, and purchase the allowances to account for those emissions. The UK ETS applies to cargo and passenger vessels of 5,000 GT and above operating domestic UK voyages.

More than a regulatory obligation

For many shipping companies, the immediate concern will be compliance: avoiding penalties, meeting deadlines and ensuring emissions data is accurate. But UK ETS is part of a larger shift: carbon emissions are becoming a measurable cost. Decisions around route selection, speed, port stays, fuel consumption and vessel deployment will increasingly have financial consequences. For shipping companies, the question will not only be what a customer pays for a voyage, but also what that voyage costs to operate once fuel, port time, operational delays and emissions allowances are taken into account. The allowance obligations add another layer of complexity to an already demanding operating environment.

Data quality will be critical

Accurate emissions reporting depends on accurate operational data. A vessel’s fuel consumption, voyage activity, port calls and route information all become part of a larger compliance chain. Any gaps, inconsistencies or fragmented systems can create risk.

For fleet operators, this creates a strong case for reviewing current workflows. Are voyage records complete? Is data collected consistently across the fleet? Can bridge teams and office-based departments access the same information? Are systems integrated, or are teams still relying on manual processes? As regulations develop, companies that invest in structured data and integrated tools will be better positioned to respond quickly and confidently.

Balancing cost, compliance and efficiency

The introduction of the UK ETS brings additional costs for shipping companies. From the actual emission allowances to administrative costs, verification costs and system upgrades. For some routes and vessels, the commercial impact could be significant. However, the scheme could also encourage more efficient operations. Companies that identify fuel-saving opportunities, improve voyage planning or optimise port operations will reduce emissions and their corresponding allowance costs.

Operational implications for bridge teams

Every operational decision made on board influences fuel consumption and emissions. For on-board crew, safety remains the priority, and compliance shouldn’t distract from safe navigation. However, better planning tools, reliable charts, route optimisation support and clear communication between ship and shore can help crews make informed decisions without adding unnecessary workload.

How Bogerd Martin supports maritime operators

At Bogerd Martin, we have these tools. Our integrated solutions are designed to help shipping companies navigate digital and regulatory change. Reliable chart management, structured voyage planning and connected ship-shore workflows can all contribute to better operational control. With the right data available to the right people at the right time.
Contact sales@bogerdmartin.com to discover how our tools support safer, smarter and more compliant operations.