UK health and safety law and regulatory compliance: UK ETS extension to maritime activities expands obligations for maritime operators

UK health and safety law and regulatory compliance: UK ETS extension to maritime activities expands obligations for maritime operators

What has changed

The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Amendment (Extension to Maritime Activities) Order 2026 expands the scope of the UK ETS to include greenhouse gas emissions from certain maritime activities. Under the existing framework, operators of industrial installations and some aircraft operators monitor, report and surrender allowances for emissions. The new order extends these obligations to cover additional maritime operations, aligning shipping and related maritime activities with the UK’s emissions trading regime.

Why this matters

This expansion means maritime operators, port authorities and offshore service providers will be subject to the same regulatory expectations as other sectors for monitoring, reporting and surrendering emissions allowances. It reinforces the need for robust governance, accurate data collection and disciplined financial planning to manage emissions obligations and avoid penalties. It also emphasises the link between environmental and health and safety risk management, as governance over emissions data supports safe, compliant, continuous operations.

Key duties for organisations

• establish or enhance monitoring and reporting arrangements for maritime emissions
• collect accurate data on fuel use and activity for ships and maritime installations
• calculate emissions in line with UK ETS methodologies
• ensure surrender of allowances for relevant scheme years
• maintain auditable records and evidence of compliance
• review governance, roles and responsibilities for regulatory compliance

What organisations should do next

• conduct a gap analysis of current environmental and health and safety governance against UK ETS requirements
• update risk assessments to reflect new regulatory obligations in the maritime sector
• align internal policies and procedures with the extended scheme coverage
• invest in data collection and monitoring systems and train relevant staff
• consider synergising with an integrated management system such as ISO 45001 to support overall regulatory compliance

Practical guidance and support can be obtained from advisers with expertise in UK emissions trading and health and safety management. Synergos Consultancy offers services to help organisations align with ISO 45001 and health and safety risk assessment best practice. See ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management and health and safety risk assessments for systematic control of workplace risk and legal compliance.

Wrap-up

The extension of the UK ETS to maritime activities increases regulatory compliance obligations for operators across the maritime sector. Timely attention to governance, data accuracy and internal controls will support legal duties, strengthen health and safety governance and reduce exposure to penalties.