This means operators of ships previously in scope of these requirements will no longer be required to:

  • Develop and maintain a ship specific UK MRV monitoring plan

  • Monitor, report and have verified carbon dioxide emissions under the UK’s retained EU maritime MRV regime.

Background 

While the UK was a member of the European Union (EU), maritime operators were required to monitor and report carbon dioxide emissions under the EU’s Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) framework. Those requirements were retained in UK law after the UK’s exit of the EU through a series of domestic and retained EU instruments.

Following a review, completed in June 2025, it was concluded that the UK MRV regime had not delivered its intended policy benefits and risked duplicating obligations, particularly given the planned inclusion of the maritime sector in the UK ETS from July 2026. Therefore, the decision was taken to revoke the MRV regulations retained in UK law.

Continued monitoring still required under UK ETS

From 1 July 2026, the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS), the United Kingdom system of carbon pricing and trading for GHG emissions from domestic activities, will include the maritime sector. Consequently, from this date, ship operators should continue to monitor, report and have verified emissions data, and surrender necessary allowances as required by the UK ETS.

Please refer to Lloyd Register’s Class News 06/2026 for more information on the introduction of the UK ETS and the requirements for shipowners and operators.

What shipowners and operators should do now

Any shipowners / operators anticipating being in scope of the UK ETS on or soon after the 1 July 2026 should prepare a UK ETS monitoring plan for compliance with the new regulatory requirements. 

How Lloyd’s Register can help

Lloyd’s Register can act as an accredited verifier to help with UK ETS compliance. For more details, please visit our dedicated page or contact dcsmrv@lr.org.