IMCA’s Marine Policy & Regulatory Affairs (MPRA) Committee is preparing responses to two key UK Government consultations launched at the end of 2024.
The UK is currently seeking views on the inclusion of the maritime sector in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and on the implementation of SOLAS Chapter XV and the Industrial Personnel (IP) Code, which became mandatory on 1 July 2024.
Inclusion of maritime in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)
The UK ETS Authority has outlined its intention to expand the UK ETS as part of proposals designed to help meet the UK’s net zero goals while supporting economic growth. The proposed changes would come into effect from 2026.
This would mean that businesses operating ships within UK waters would need to obtain allowances for every tonne of carbon they emit. The UK ETS Authority has stated that this will ensure that the price of fuels used by the sector better reflects its environmental impacts.
IMCA believes it is imperative that the UK ETS is aligned with the EU’s emissions trading scheme to avoid duplication and overlap by imposing a double administrative burden in reporting and double taxation on shipowners.
We are collaborating with organisations including the UK Chamber of Shipping and the Workboat Association on this and other issues to ensure a co-ordinated response on behalf of the offshore sector.
The consultation contains a list of 49 questions and closes on 23 January 2025.
Consultation on the Merchant Shipping (Safety Measures for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel and Special Personnel) Regulations 2025
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has launched a public consultation seeking views on a new statutory instrument that will implement the International Maritime Organisation’s SOLAS Chapter XV – safety measures for ships carrying industrial personnel. The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 17 February 2025.
In its consultation, the MCA recognises that ships operating in the offshore oil and gas and windfarm industries provide a pivotal role in ensuring UK energy security against a global background of energy insecurity. There is now a greater government focus towards energy generation from renewable sources in the drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
IMCA is considering the text of the consultation carefully to ensure that it does not impose more stringent regulations than that imposed by other flag states when implementing the regulations, and avoids market distortions that would deter international contractors from operating in UK waters.
For further information or to request a copy of IMCA’s response to submit in support of the sector, please contact Margaret Fitzgerald, Head of Legal & Regulatory Affairs.