Hot Topics

The Chamber team have been working across a wide range of issues on behalf of members over recent months, ensuring the industry's views are heard within UK and international environment policy development with key topics highlighted here; 

• UK ETS: The Chamber continues to lobby on behalf of industry for clear and accessible guidelines, prior to the UK ETS’s fast approaching entry into force on 1 July 2026. Chamber staff are collating an extensive list of questions from Members and other Associations for submission to the Environment Agency helpdesk, in the hope that this may eventually form the basis of a UK ETS FAQs page, in the style of the EU ETS. The Chamber strongly advises Members to also submit questions to the helpdesk (etmaritimehelp@environment-agency.gov.uk). Please contact Ellie Lovejoy for more details, or to submit questions you may have.
• EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime: The Chamber, alongside other European shipping associations, has been  providing ‘Lessons Learned’ regarding implementation challenges with FuelEU Maritime. The Chamber secretariat have been communicating with Members, ECSA and other key stakeholders to try and find pragmatic solutions with DG MOVE. The Chamber is also amongst associations leading on the discussion of a fair implementation of EU MRV and ETS for Offshore Vessels. The Chamber continues to represent Members’ priorities; pushing for a ‘Virtual Port of Call’ solution and highlighting that the two neighbouring ETS systems (UK and EU), have set out different rules applying to offshore vessels.
• Safety of Alternative Fuels: In 2025, the Chamber launched a new Safety of Alternative Fuels Working Group made up of technical experts from Member companies. This group offers a new perspective on the burgeoning alternative fuels space and has provided a unique multi-stakeholder engagement network, bringing together 50+ experts. To date, the group has hosted five specialist workshops with numerous external speakers and completed the development of risk matrices for five key alternative fuels; batteries, biofuel, methanol, hydrogen and ammonia. A report of the group’s first year activities will be available in published form later this year.UK Chamber members can join the Working Group, or get more information, by contacting Francesco.
• Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS): The UK Government launched a consultation seeking views on support mechanisms and fee options for non-pipeline transport (NPT) solutions for carbon capture and storage. The Chamber has been working with interested Members and the European Carbon, Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) to develop a response. Members can read the full response here.
• PPR 13 – EGCS, Ballast Water EBP and IMO Biofouling Consultation (1st round): The Chamber took a leading role in developing industry positioning at ICS in advance of and following PPR 13. We provided high level points for the understanding of the report on EGCS (alongside CLIA and other national associations); raised the need for clarity on the end date of the Ballast Water Experience Building Phase (EBP); and provided substantial input to the first round of the IMO Biofouling Correspondence Group. The Chamber secretariat liaised comprehensively with UK MCA officials prior to PPR 13  and were in attendance at plenary and within the Biofouling WG.

• IMO Net-Zero Framework: The Chamber lobbied at ICS for a joint-industry public statement, released ahead of the April session of MEPC 84 and co-signed by BIMCO, CLIA, ICS, INTERCARGO, INTERFERRY, INTERTANKO and WSC. Members deemed the situation too political to submit an ICS paper to IMO at this time, but Chamber staff have been working collaboratively with like-minded associations to advocate for Members’ interests; crucially, a global framework and IMO primacy as the industry’s global regulator. Read the full industry statement here.

Committees and Working Groups

UK Chamber Members can take part in our committees and working groups across key policy areas and industry sectors, including the Carbon Working Group, the Safety of Alternative Fuels Working Group and the Safety and Environment Committee.

These forums sit at the heart of our policy development, giving Members the opportunity to shape positions, share expertise and stay close to emerging developments.

For more information or to join any of the above, please contact Francesco or Ellie. 

Below is an overview of the latest updates from each group:

Carbon Working Group:

• UK ETS (15 January 2026): Chamber Policy Director Katrina Ross and Lloyd's Register Principal Regulatory Specialist Jennifer Riley-James, who is also seconded to the UK Chamber, briefed Members on the UK Government consultation to expand the ETS to international voyages. Members can read the final response here.

• IMO Net Zero Framework (24 March 2026): Chamber staff briefed Members on key papers submitted to MEPC 84 on the Net Zero Framework. Members had the opportunity to discuss and develop a shared position to inform the joint statement released by ICS, and international partners.

Safety and Environment Committee: 

• Guest speaker Dorte Kubel, Regulatory Affairs Manager at Evellence and Head of the EUROMOT delegation to IMO (17 March 2026): Dorte gave a presentation to Members on the implications of the ongoing NOx review for shipowners. Members can read the minutes of the meeting here.

Thought Leadership

Chamber Policy Director Francesco Sandrelli has contributed to a range of industry discussions across environmental policy and decarbonisation. Highlights include:

• Njord Podcast: Francesco explored the fragmentation, complexity and practical compliance challenges shaping GHG and environmental regulation. Listen to the episode here.
• Horizon Scan: In the inaugural edition of our monthly policy series, Francesco set out the key factors that will shape shipping’s path to net zero across five core questions. Read it here.
• Argus Green Marine Fuels Europe Conference: Francesco represented the Chamber at a roundtable in Antwerp, contributing to discussions on the future of marine fuels.

Upcoming Events

UK Chamber Members, stay tuned for the next meeting of the Carbon Working Group (date to be announced shortly), where discussion will focus on the outcomes of MEPC 84. If you wish to be added to the group and receive updates on its work, please contact Ellie.

How to Get Involved?

Many of the insights, working group outputs and detailed materials referenced above are available exclusively to UK Chamber Members. Organisations interested in accessing this work and contributing to the Chamber’s policy development, amongst many other member benefits, can find out more about membership benefits and how to join the UK Chamber of Shipping by contacting our Director of Membership and Business Development, Tony Jerome.