OOCL introduces UK ETS emissions charge

Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) will introduce a new emissions charge from 1 September 2026 to recover costs associated with the United Kingdom Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS).

The carrier’s United Kingdom Emissions Quantum will apply to cargo moving on routes and services covered by the scheme. OOCL said the charge will be reviewed monthly in response to movements in the price of UK Allowances and the additional costs it incurs under the regulation.

The UK ETS was extended to maritime transport on 1 July 2026. It covers cargo vessels and passenger ships of 5,000 gross tonnes and above, requiring operators to monitor, report and verify emissions before surrendering allowances equal to their verified output.

Unlike the maritime element of the European Union Emissions Trading System, the UK scheme applies to 100 per cent of emissions within its initial scope from the outset. There is no phased introduction of the compliance requirement.

During the first stage, the scheme covers emissions from voyages between UK ports. It also includes all emissions generated while vessels are berthed, anchored, loading, discharging or otherwise operating within UK ports, regardless of whether the vessel is serving a domestic or international route.

Emissions from international voyages between UK and non-UK ports are not currently included. However, the UK Government is consulting on whether part of these emissions should be brought into the scheme at a later stage.

OOCL said the new quantum will apply differently according to the trade involved. Intra-UK shipments will be subject to the UK ETS charge only.

Cargo moving between the UK and markets outside the European Union will also attract only the UK quantum. Shipments between the UK and EU will be charged both the existing EU ETS Quantum and the new UK ETS Quantum.

The carrier did not publish fixed charge levels in its announcement. It said the applicable costs will be governed by its prevailing tariffs and will remain subject to monthly review.

The price of UK Allowances is determined by the market and may change according to trading activity and wider market conditions. OOCL said this variability, together with its own compliance costs, will inform future adjustments to the charge.

The quantum will take effect on 1 September and remain in place until further notice unless otherwise specified. Other local, contingency and demand-related charges may also apply to individual shipments under OOCL’s tariffs.