VMS - UK ETS Solutions Overview

This document helps VMS customers manage UK ETS regulatory requirements. It outlines current features and the roadmap. Contact us via our Help Center for more information or assistance.

UK ETS Calculations

Applies to vessels ≥5,000 GT calling at UK ports
- Domestic UK port-to-port voyages; round trips; all in-port emissions
VMS estimates the UKA requirements by voyage. The calculated value is applied as an expense item and calculated into to the voyage/estimate’s TCE automatically.
UK ETS applies to domestic UK voyages; port-to-port journeys where both the departure and arrival port are in the UK
- Within a journey, UK to UK is at 100%. In-port emissions at UK ports are also included at 100%.
- Unlike EU ETS, there is no 50% rule for UK to/from non-UK legs - only domestic (UK to UK) voyages are covered.
UK ETS has no phase-in percentage. 100% of calculated allowances apply from the first day of the scheme (1 July 2026). The first year runs from 1 July to 31 December 2026; this is a shortened year, not a reduced obligation.
Access the full calculation by clicking on the UK ETS quantity or cost in the Emissions section of the voyage main page

UK ETS - UKA Price and Exchange Rate

The calculator lets you enter a GBP price and exchange rate for the UKA requirements.
Values are set by default in a new estimate based on the price set in the Bunker Prices section and Currency Exchange Rates section in Company Settings.

Overwrite Capabilities

Users can edit the price and exchange rate by voyage and the UK ETS applicable percentage by leg for fine-tuning or handling any unusual situations.

Expense and TCE

Automatic generation of an Expense item when a UK ETS cost is calculated.
"UK ETS" as Expense type (and Revenue type).
- Rebill option for the expense item and invoice that.

Purchases

Enter UKA purchases to allocate to the voyage.

Small Vessels

Vessels below 5,000 GT are not subject to UK ETS. You can use the feature in the vessel register to exclude a vessel from UK ETS for all voyages.

Time Charter

The UK ETS calculations are inaccessible because LTTC (TC Out) voyages do not include a Bunkers panel

FAQ

How does VMS handle the first (shortened) scheme year?

The first UK ETS scheme year runs from 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2026. VMS applies 100% compliance obligation for this period — there is no reduced phase-in percentage. For voyages that begin before 1 July 2026 and end after, use the overwrite capabilities to zero out the UK% for legs prior to 1 July.

How can we handle UKA Transfer of Allowance?

· VMS allows for income and cost on UKAs. It does not cover cases where allowances are transferred between parties without any financial transaction. This could be simulated by including UKAs at zero price, but no purpose-built system exists for such transactions.

How does UK ETS interact with EU ETS?

UK ETS and EU ETS are independent schemes with no linkage. UK Allowances (UKAs) and EU Allowances (EUAs) cannot be used interchangeably. VMS tracks UK ETS and EU ETS separately, with independent calculations, expense items, and reporting. For vessels operating in both UK and EU/EEA waters, both calculators will apply to their respective covered legs.

What if my vessel is not subject to UK ETS?

To update a vessel's emissions status, navigate to the Vessel Register via the Actions Menu, then select the Emissions tab.