Ferries and Freight: Northern Ireland
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of recent changes in marine fuel costs on the inclusion of ferry and freight operators serving Northern Ireland routes within the UK Emissions Trading Scheme.
Answered by Chris McDonald
We actively monitor changes in marine fuel costs and wider market conditions.
The UK ETS is designed to support cost-effective decarbonisation, and operators retain flexibility in how they meet compliance obligations, including operational efficiency and fuel choices.
Route-specific case studies on GB-NI shipments show very small effects on final prices, with increases well under 1% for typical freight goods.
Compliance costs fall on operators, and any price changes are commercial decisions. The Government will review the maritime regime in 2028.
We continue to engage with operators and devolved governments on potential impacts.
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